Islamabad, Pakistan and China on Tuesday discussed expanding practical development cooperation, with a focus on material assistance, construction projects, technology support and local capacity building, as Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Industries and Production Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan met a high-level delegation of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE).

The Chinese delegation was led by Ms. Li Shuyin, Deputy Director General, CICETE, Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Nasir Hamid, Additional Secretary (Trade Diplomacy), Ministry of Commerce, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed Chinese development cooperation in Pakistan and exchanged views on ongoing as well as prospective initiatives aimed at supporting Pakistan’s development priorities.

The Chinese delegation appreciated the cooperation and facilitation extended by the Government of Pakistan and relevant institutions in the implementation of development cooperation initiatives.

Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan welcomed CICETE’s longstanding engagement with Pakistan and appreciated its contribution to development assistance and community-focused projects across the country, particularly in Balochistan.

He said CICETE had established a significant presence in Pakistan through initiatives supporting local communities and development objectives, adding that continued cooperation could further strengthen the practical dimension of Pakistan-China relations.

The two sides also discussed material assistance and construction-related projects, along with opportunities to benefit from Chinese expertise, technology and resources in areas aligned with Pakistan’s development priorities.

The Coordinator emphasized the importance of sustained institutional engagement between Pakistan and China to facilitate the timely implementation of cooperation projects, strengthen local capacities and identify new areas of mutual interest.

He appreciated CICETE and the Chinese side for their contribution to strengthening development-oriented cooperation under the broader framework of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

The meeting concluded with both sides exchanging views on ongoing initiatives and potential areas for further cooperation, reaffirming their interest in advancing practical and mutually beneficial development engagement.