Ambassador Khalil Hashmi visited Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province in Southwestern China on 22-24 July. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the provincial authorities of Yunnan on the occasion of the 8th China-South Asia Expo, in which Pakistan was designated as the theme country of honour.
During his stay in Kunming, Ambassador Hashmi spoke at various important forums including the 5th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum; the 17th China-South Asia Business Forum; and China-South Asia Government, Industry, Academia, and Research Collaboration Event. Besides, he interacted with the political leadership of Yunnan province; held important meetings with academia and enterprises; and engaged with media platforms.
Inaugurating Pakistan Pavilion at the China-South Asia Expo, the Ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s substantial participation in this year’s expo with the presence of FPCCI, KCCI, and 180 businessmen. Underlining the significance of utilizing such platforms for strengthening regional connectivity, he briefed the audience on the upward trajectory of Pakistan-China trade and investment relations and the positive impact of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit on further strengthening of the bilateral economic ties. He also toured the Pakistan Pavilion and visited booths of the participating businesses.
During all of his speeches, the Ambassador underscored Pakistan’s position on regional connectivity and economic integration; strength of its partnership with China, including under China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation (CPEC); and the need to enhance multi-faceted cooperation despite the challenges posed by the challenging regional and international environment. On the diplomatic front, the envoy underscored the need for peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes, and the importance of regional peace and stability as a necessary precursor of prosperity and developments.
While interacting with various interlocutors in Yunnan province including political leadership, enterprises, academia and media, Ambassador Hashmi focused on further deepening practical cooperation for the mutual benefit of Pakistan and China.
Kunming
25 July 2024
