Islamabad: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has announced the country’s intention to prioritize Chinese investments and technical support over foreign aid. In an interview with China Global Television Network-Urdu, Aurangzeb identified key sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, and technology as areas with significant potential for Chinese investment and technical assistance.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister praised China’s remarkable progress in green projects and environmental sustainability, describing it as a model for the world. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to benefit from China’s expertise in these domains. Aurangzeb highlighted the substantial investments China has made in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the technical and financial assistance that China has provided.

Aurangzeb discussed efforts to revive Pakistan’s agricultural sector and transform it into a true engine of growth. He mentioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China last summer, during which the Prime Minister toured agricultural universities and observed vertical farming practices in Shaanxi Province. The Finance Minister revealed plans for around 1,000 Pakistani students and agricultural experts to soon travel to China for training, skill development, and technology transfer under the mentorship of Chinese experts.

He emphasized the enduring and sustainable long-term relationship between Pakistan and China, acknowledging the assistance provided by China to Pakistan.