ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday left for a visit to China and is expected to sign projects worth $35 to $40 billion.

During the visit, the prime minister will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials. The leadership of both the countries will discuss regional and global matters.

The premier will also attend host-partners dialogue during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders’ meeting in Beijing.

Read: China invites Nawaz to attend host-partners dialogue in Beijing

Dr Mussadiq Malik, newly-appointed spokesperson for Prime Minister Nawaz, had told reporters that the visits were aimed at rebuilding investor confidence, visibly shaken by the ongoing political crisis in the country.

“Whatever investment the Chinese will be making as a result of these projects will not be a loan to the government of Pakistan,” he had said.

However, the PTI leadership contends that this money is coming in the form of loans rather than investment.

Jinping was due to visit Pakistan in mid-September this year, but called off his trip due to the ongoing political protests in the capital.

Read: Chinese president cancels Pakistan trip, India visit still on

Earlier in October. the prime minister had spoken highly of the recent progress in Pakistan-China relations. He had also appreciated the timely support and assistance rendered by the Chinese government for the relief of the displaced persons and the flood victims.

Prime Minister Nawaz had stressed that Pakistan firmly supports China’s core interests and major concerns and was ready to work with the neighbouring country to keep building mutual trust, fast-tracking the construction of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and upgrading the bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both the countries.

Following his China visit, the prime minister will also make brief trips to Germany and the United Kingdom.

Read: China tables railway project linking to Pakistan