• Focus on agriculture, health, education, trade, and technology
• Pakistan seeks partnerships in construction machinery, clean energy, and digital manufacturing

ISLAMABAD: Presi­dent Asif Ali Zardari, currently on an official visit to China, met the leadership of Hunan province on Sunday to discuss cooperation in agriculture, trade, health and education sectors.

According to the Presidency, the president held a meeting with Shen Xiaoming, Party Secretary of Hunan, and attended a banquet hosted in his honour by Governor Mao Weiming.

During the meeting, Presi­dent Zardari invited Shen Xiaoming to visit Pakistan in connection with the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He underscored that Pakistan-China ties remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and continue to enjoy broad-based support.

The president emphasised Hunan’s strengths in agricultural technology and equipment, noting their relevance to Pakistan’s efforts to enhance productivity. He expressed interest in closer collaboration in seed technology, agricultural research, and modern farming practices. He also highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral trade in areas such as agricultural machinery, mineral processing, and information and communication technologies. Regional issues also came under discussion.

Shen Xiaoming informed President Zardari that universities in Hunan signed 12 cooperation agreements with Pakistani institutions. In all, 959 Pakistani students were studying in Hunan across various disciplines, he added.

Speaking at the banquet, Governor Mao Weiming described Pakistan and China as good friends, good neighbours, good partners, and good brothers. He stated that Hunan province would continue to contribute to the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0.

In his remarks, President Zar­dari said that Hunan holds a special place as the birthplace of Mao Zedong.

Speaking at the banquet, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong noted that the president’s decision to visit Hunan reflected his special regard for Chairman Mao.

President visits tea company

Earlier, President Zardari visited Hunan Tea Group, where he was briefed by its chairman, Zhou Zhongwang, on its operations, supply chain, and international market presence.

Meanwhile, during his visit to Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd, President Zardari underscored the importance of bolstering industrial and technological cooperation with China.

A post on X by the Presidency said, “From smart manufacturing to tech transfers in construction and clean energy, the focus is on modernising Pakistan’s infrastructure through global partnerships.”

He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in industrial technology, skill development and joint ventures. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as construction machinery, digital manufacturing, clean energy and engineering solutions.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026