Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani describes CPEC as a landmark symbol of Pakistan–China strategic partnership during meeting with Shandong Hi-Speed Group delegation
Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China, emphasizing the need to expand bilateral investment, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The remarks were made during a meeting at Parliament House on Wednesday with a high-level delegation comprising representatives of the Tabani Group and Shandong Hi-Speed Group, one of China’s leading state-owned infrastructure and investment enterprises. The delegation was led by Shandong Hi-Speed Group Chairman Xu Xiang, and included Country Director Wang Zhenrong and Tabani Group Chairman Hamza Tabani.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on expanding economic cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, energy, logistics, industrial development, and other strategic sectors.
Welcoming the delegation, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is a time-tested relationship founded on mutual trust, respect, and unwavering cooperation. He noted that China has stood by Pakistan during every challenging period, and that the people of Pakistan deeply value this enduring friendship.
He appreciated the contribution of Chinese companies and investors to Pakistan’s economic development, stating that their investments are promoting prosperity, creating employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the country.
Describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a historic project and a shining example of the strategic partnership between the two nations, Gilani said the initiative has laid a strong foundation for regional connectivity, economic integration, and long-term development.
He expressed confidence that trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China would continue to expand in the coming years. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing a favorable environment for foreign investment and welcomed the continued interest of Chinese institutions in contributing to the country’s economic development.
The Senate Chairman highlighted the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a key national initiative aimed at promoting investment, strengthening economic stability, and generating employment opportunities. He added that the Senate would continue to support legislation and policies designed to foster an investor-friendly environment, sustainable economic growth, and national prosperity.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Senate Chairman on the global operations of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, noting that the company possesses extensive expertise in transportation infrastructure, high-speed rail, expressways, energy, logistics, and industrial development.
The delegation also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its investment portfolio in Pakistan and continuing to play an active role in the country’s economic development through long-term strategic partnerships.