Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, attended the 10th China-South Asia Exposition (CSA Expo) and the 30th China Kunming Import and Export Fair in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
The ambassador, along with Yang Yang, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the exposition. The inauguration was part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Hashmi highlighted the significance of this historic milestone, the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and the importance of leveraging opportunities provided by such platforms to further expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development, and people-to-people exchanges.
Pakistan’s participation in this year’s exposition was significant, featuring 130 companies and 327 exhibitors. The strong presence underscored the growing momentum of Pakistan-China economic cooperation and reflected the keen interest of Pakistani businesses in exploring trade, investment, and market opportunities in China.
The ambassador and the vice governor toured the booths of Pakistani exhibitors, interacted with business representatives from diverse sectors, reviewed a wide range of Pakistani products, discussed export prospects, and encouraged exhibitors to utilise the exposition as an important platform for strengthening commercial partnerships and expanding access to the Chinese market.
Ambassador Hashmi also addressed the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, held under the theme, *”Strengthening Partnership for a Community with a Shared Future for Neighbouring Countries.”* The forum was attended by the Governor of Yunnan, senior dignitaries from South Asia, including ministers, senior Chinese officials, provincial leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of South Asian countries.
In his address, Ambassador Hashmi described the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership-anchored in mutual trust, support, and respect-as a model for South Asian countries. Reflecting on the future of regional collaboration, he highlighted South Asia’s immense economic and demographic potential and called for a renewed China-South Asia development partnership based on peaceful coexistence, enhanced connectivity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
He underscored the transformative role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in advancing infrastructure development, economic growth, and regional connectivity, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation with China and other regional partners.
On the sidelines of the exposition, the ambassador also engaged with leading Chinese media outlets, where he shared Pakistan’s perspectives on bilateral relations, regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and the broader themes of sustainable development, globalisation, and fair trade.
The ambassador’s engagements in Kunming reflected Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and deepening trade, investment, and development partnerships with China and the broader South Asian region. The events provided a valuable platform to showcase Pakistan’s economic strengths, expand high-level engagement, and identify new avenues for practical cooperation.
These interactions are expected to further strengthen Pakistan-China economic collaboration and contribute to greater regional connectivity, development, and shared prosperity.