Pakistan China Cooperation entered a new phase as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, completed a productive visit to Shenyang, Liaoning Province, from 8 to 10 June 2026. The visit focused on strengthening educational partnerships, investment opportunities, scientific collaboration, and regional economic ties. Moreover, the engagements highlighted expanding cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
During the visit, Ambassador Hashmi represented Pakistan at the 3rd Liaoning International Friendship Cities Conference and inaugurated the Pakistan-China Joint Research Centre at Shenyang University of Chemical Technology. These developments matter because they connect education, innovation, and business cooperation under long-term strategic goals.
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Khalil Hashmi Strengthens Economic Cooperation
Ambassador Hashmi held meetings with provincial and city leadership to explore practical cooperation opportunities. Discussions reportedly covered trade expansion, investment promotion, technical training, and stronger business-to-business engagement.
Talks also emphasized cooperation across several sectors including fine chemicals, agriculture, minerals, information technology, and advanced materials. Additionally, both sides welcomed progress toward the proposed sister-province agreement between Sindh and Liaoning. This mechanism could create stronger institutional links and encourage more regional collaboration.
The discussions reflected growing interest in expanding sub-national partnerships while creating new channels for economic engagement.
Pakistan China Cooperation Through Investment
During official engagements, Ambassador Hashmi highlighted opportunities emerging under CPEC 2.0. He invited Liaoning-based pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare companies to participate in the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference scheduled in Karachi on 17–18 July 2026.
He stated that Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones continue to offer opportunities for Chinese investors interested in expanding manufacturing and accessing regional markets. As a result, the discussions connected industrial cooperation with future investment possibilities.
Furthermore, the engagement showed how both countries are broadening collaboration into technology-driven and production-oriented sectors.
Khalil Hashmi Launches Research Centre
One of the most significant moments of the visit was the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Joint Research Centre at Shenyang University of Chemical Technology.
The Centre emerged through continued engagement between academic and research institutions in both countries. It aims to support joint research projects, talent development, academic exchanges, and stronger industry-academia collaboration.
Participating Pakistani institutions include the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Islamabad, NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, and the University of Engineering and Technology in Peshawar.
The initiative is expected to encourage cooperation in chemical engineering, applied technologies, and advanced materials while supporting future scientific talent.
Shenyang University Supports Academic Exchange
During the university visit, Ambassador Hashmi and his delegation toured research laboratories and innovation facilities. The visit provided direct exposure to ongoing scientific work and emerging technologies.
He also interacted with Pakistani students studying at the university and encouraged them to pursue academic excellence. According to the interaction, he emphasized that knowledge exchange and innovation can strengthen long-term Pakistan-China relations.
These engagements demonstrated how educational cooperation increasingly supports broader diplomatic and economic objectives.
Liaoning Conference Opens New Opportunities
Ambassador Hashmi also participated in the 3rd Liaoning International Friendship Cities Conference. The conference brought together representatives from numerous international partner regions connected with Liaoning.
Liaoning currently maintains friendship relations with cities and regions across multiple countries, including the existing sister-city relationship between Karachi and Shenyang.
The province’s focus on green development, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies may create additional opportunities for collaboration with Pakistan. Consequently, the visit reflected continued momentum in bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Liaoning appear positioned to deepen cooperation across education, innovation, industry, and people-to-people exchanges in the coming years.
