ISLAMABAD: Cooperation agreements signed in major sectors
Pakistan and China on Monday signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation in desalination, agricultural technology, and the tea industry.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a five-day official visit to China, witnessed the signing ceremony between the two sides.
Karachi desalination project agreed
First, both countries agreed on a seawater desalination project in Karachi. The agreement involved the Sindh government and Lucion Environmental Technology Group.
The project aims to improve Karachi’s water supply through modern desalination technology. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon signed the MoU on behalf of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Yuhui, Secretary of the Party Branch and Chairman of Lucion Environmental Technology Group, signed for the Chinese side.
Read more:President Zardari Begins China Visit to Strengthen CPEC and Economic Ties
Agriculture technology collaboration signed
Second, Pakistan and China signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in agricultural technology.
The agreement brought together the Sindh government and Long Ping Hi-tech Information Company. Sharjeel Inam Memon represented Sindh. Chen Zhixin, Chairman of Longping High-Tech Information Company, signed on behalf of the Chinese side.
Tea sector partnership finalized
Third, both countries agreed on cooperation in the tea industry. MESKAY & FEMTEE Trading Company, Hunan Tea Group, and Jiaolong International Technology (Hainan) signed the MoU.
The agreement focuses on expanding cooperation across the tea value chain. It also aims to strengthen trade ties and people-to-people connections. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla signed for Pakistan. Zhou Chongwang and Hao Jiaolong represented the Chinese companies.
Senior officials attend ceremony
Several senior officials attended the signing ceremony. These included Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Chief Secretary Sindh Ali Hassan Barohi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.
President Zardari’s visit to China
President Zardari arrived in China late Saturday night. He began his visit with a focus on trade, investment, and CPEC-related cooperation.
He also visited SANY Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. in Changsha. There, Chairman Tang Xiuguo briefed him on manufacturing systems and research work. Both sides discussed industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and investment opportunities.
Earlier engagements and past agreements
Last year, President Zardari also visited China for ten days. During that visit, both countries signed six MoUs in agriculture, defence, energy, railways, and farmer training. Both sides agreed to expand such initiatives to other provinces.
