Pakistan, China agree on joint economic research and training

August 4, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and China sign an agreement for joint research, training programs and expert exchanges in the field of economy has been reached between Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning and China’s Development Research Center.

The understanding was finalized during a meeting in Beijing between Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and President of China’s Development Research Center and Center for International Knowledge on Development, Lu Hao.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan is keen to learn from China’s achievements in economy and reforms. 

He noted that China’s scientific planning is a beacon of long-term and sustainable economic development. 

He also highlighted Pakistan’s intent to promote trade and exports with China.

Lu Hao expressed confidence in Pakistan’s strategy to become an export-oriented economy.

Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, funding projects in energy, infrastructure, and other sectors. 

It has also consistently extended sovereign loans to support Islamabad in meeting its external financing requirements.

Besides economy, China and Pakistan have also been longtime defense partners.

In May, during a four-day military standoff with India. Islamabad claimed its Chinese-supplied jets shot down six Indian aircraft including three French-made Rafale fighters, attracting attention from analysts and governments.

While India acknowledged some losses, it has not disclosed the exact number of aircraft downed by Pakistan, with some observers viewing this as a reflection of China’s growing military influence.

Pakistan accounts for approximately 63 percent of China’s arms exports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

During the recent conflict, Pakistan deployed J-10C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder jets equipped with air-to-air missiles. Its air defenses also relied on Chinese systems, including the HQ-9P long-range surface-to-air missile, Chinese radar, and both armed and reconnaissance drones.

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