PCJCCI marks 74 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties, hails expanding strategic partnership

Lahore: In a vibrant celebration of one of Asia’s most enduring bilateral relationships, the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) commemorated the 74rth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming their deep-rooted ties and future collaboration through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The event, held at the PCJCCI Secretariat in Lahore, brought together leading business figures, policymakers, and industry stakeholders who reflected on the historical evolution and strategic depth of Pak-China relations, first formalized on May 21, 1951.

Addressing the ceremony, PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain highlighted the resilience and growing strength of the bilateral partnership. “This bond, founded on trust, goodwill, and mutual strategic interest, has only grown stronger with time. From the Karakoram Highway to CPEC, every step of this journey has brought our countries closer,” he said.

He noted that the relationship was not merely political but had expanded into multifaceted cooperation across trade, technology, infrastructure, and education. “It is a relationship based on actions, achievements, and shared visions of development.”

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (retd) emphasized the economic potential of combining China’s technological prowess with Pakistan’s human and natural resources. “The synergy created through CPEC is redefining regional trade and connectivity. This partnership is not just about roads and power plants, it’s about reshaping the economic destiny of South Asia and beyond,” he remarked.

Echoing the sentiment, PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal reflected on how China’s rise as a global economic powerhouse has been mutually beneficial for Pakistan.

“From Gwadar Port to Special Economic Zones, CPEC has opened doors for trade, investment, and employment. The private sector is playing a key role in realizing this vision,” he stated.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General of the joint chamber, outlined PCJCCI’s efforts to build grassroots understanding and capacity to support China-Pakistan cooperation. “We have worked to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers by promoting Chinese language learning across sectors. We believe true partnership is built on shared understanding,” he said.

Hanif added that CPEC is not just an economic roadmap for Pakistan but a global model for sustainable connectivity. “Its success is being closely watched by other nations looking to replicate this blend of public-private partnership, infrastructure innovation, and geopolitical strategy.”

The event concluded with a shared reaffirmation of the chamber’s commitment to expanding cooperation under BRI and continuing to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.