Pakistan, China push CPEC 2.0 and technology-led economic cooperation
Dar, Wang Yi agree to expand Pakistan-China cooperation in AI and digital economy
Shanghai – 17 July 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : Pakistan and China on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy and artificial intelligence.
The commitment came during a bilateral meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
According to an official statement, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and underscored the importance of advancing high-quality development under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).
They agreed to strengthen collaboration in key emerging sectors, including science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, while expanding cooperation in trade and investment.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments and reaffirmed their resolve to maintain close coordination on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting reinforced the longstanding strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China and reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to innovation-driven development and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Dar was accompanied by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Ali Mustafa Dar, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Bilal Bin Saqib, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Syed Asad Ali Gillani, and Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Beijing Aizaz Khan.
The meeting was held on the margins of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where senior officials and technology leaders from around the world are discussing the future of artificial intelligence and international cooperation in emerging technologies.
