Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced that Pakistan is preparing to issue its inaugural Panda Bond in the Chinese capital market. This strategic move aims to enhance the economic partnership between the two nations.
According to Radio Pakistan, during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Aurangzeb highlighted that the issuance of the Panda Bond signifies the strengthening and maturation of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. These relations have evolved from being primarily focused on infrastructure to a more comprehensive, market-driven economic collaboration.
Aurangzeb emphasized the significance of China as Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly seventeen billion dollars within the first eight months of the year. He noted that the partnership has continuously strengthened over the decades, with China playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s economic development through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Finance Minister announced the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II, following high-level engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang earlier this year. This new phase emphasizes the monetization of existing infrastructure and encourages business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, reflecting a shift towards sustainable, private-sector-led growth.
Aurangzeb identified agriculture, minerals and mining, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy as key sectors attracting Chinese investment in Pakistan. He stressed that beyond financial investments, this phase focuses on knowledge transfer and technical support, further solidifying the economic ties between the two countries.
The Finance Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its enduring partnership with China. He highlighted the alignment of both countries on geopolitical priorities and a shared economic agenda aimed at guiding cooperation in the medium to long term, thereby reinforcing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.