By : Zhu Zhu, CGTN Reporter
China sent a clear message of prioritizing stability, innovation, and openness amid global uncertainties upon the conclusion of its annual Two Sessions legislative meetings and also its national-level economic forum – the China Development Forum (CDF) – this month. As foreign investors reaffirm confidence in the world’s second-largest economy, China and Pakistan stand to deepen collaboration under frameworks such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly in technology, green energy, and trade diversification.
Global Investors Optimistic on China’s Market
At this year’s CDF—a platform bridging Chinese policymakers and global CEOs—foreign businesses signaled renewed optimism despite geopolitical headwinds. Over 80 multinational executives, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Siemens CEO Roland Busch, attended the event, with many announcing expansion plans.
For Pakistan, this translates to opportunities to leverage China’s openness. More and more Pakistani manufacturers are set to partner with Chinese tech giants like Huawei or Xiaomi to produce components for global markets, utilizing CPEC’s Special Economic Zones.
Growth Targets: Balancing ambition with realism
China has set its 2025 targets at around 5% GDP growth, an unemployment rate of approximately 5.5%, over 12 million new urban job creations, and a 2% increase in consumer prices. These targets take into account both domestic and international conditions, reflecting a strategy of steady progress. The government has emphasized that the 5% growth target is essential for stabilizing employment, mitigating risks, and improving livelihoods. Meanwhile, the 2% inflation target is designed to keep prices within a reasonable range by leveraging various policies and reforms to improve supply-demand dynamics. The government emphasized “high-quality growth,” prioritizing tech-driven productivity over stimulus.
Innovation as a growth multiplier
China’s push for self-reliance in science and technology took center stage. Breakthroughs in A.I., especially with the rise of A.I. companies such as DeepSeek and UniTree Technology, aim to offset demographic challenges and trade restrictions. For Pakistan, this signals opportunities to collaborate in emerging sectors, particularly through CPEC’s Phase-II focus on industrialization and digitalization.
Green Transition: A shared priority
China, the world’s largest renewable energy investor, aims to derive 25% of energy from non-fossil sources by 2025. Such strides align with Pakistan’s climate resilience goals, offering avenues for technology transfer and joint clean energy projects under CPEC.
Implications for China-Pakistan cooperation
China’s economic priorities—stability, innovation, and sustainability—resonate deeply with Pakistan’s development needs. Over the years, the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has promoted regional connectivity, trade openness, and generated over 200,000 jobs in energy and infrastructure sectors, according to the Pakistan Planning Ministry. Meanwhile, as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and South Asia, Pakistan provides China access to critical maritime routes and emerging markets, complementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In an era of global uncertainties, the China-Pakistan model offers a template for South-South solidarity—one where mutual needs, not just capital flows, dictate the future.
