CHANGSHA (April 26, 2026) — On the first leg of his week-long official visit to China, President Asif Ali Zardari held high-level meetings in Hunan province, focusing on a strategic shift toward agricultural modernization and industrial collaboration. Meeting with CCP Secretary Shen Xiaoming and Governor Mao Weiming, the President emphasized that seed technology and agricultural research are now top priorities for Pakistan’s economic recovery. Highlighting Hunan’s role as a global leader in hybrid crops and heavy machinery, President Zardari invited closer cooperation to help Pakistan enhance its crop yields and modernize its industrial infrastructure.
President Zardari visited SANY Heavy Industry in Changsha, Hunan province to boost Pakistan-China industrial cooperation. From smart manufacturing to tech transfers in construction & clean energy, the focus is on modernising Pakistan’s infrastructure through global partnerships. pic.twitter.com/M6jR9MBeJC
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 26, 2026
Highlights
- Pakistan is seeking Chinese collaboration in seed technology, agricultural research, and value-added agro-processing.
- President Zardari toured Sany Heavy Industry, focusing on tech transfers for construction, mining, and renewable energy.
- Hunan leadership pledged sincere contributions to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on industrial and mineral cooperation.
- The visit commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties; Secretary Shen Xiaoming was formally invited to visit Pakistan.
- The President reflected on the Bhutto family’s multi-generational commitment to the Pakistan-China “Iron Brotherhood.”
President Zardari visited Hunan Tea Group in Changsha, Hunan province to explore 🇵🇰🇨🇳 cooperation in agro-processing & value addition. The President was briefed on the supply chain mechanism & invited the Group to bring their expertise in tea cultivation & exports to Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/yKv71RMgVk
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 26, 2026
Modernizing Pakistan’s Fields and Factories
The visit to Hunan, the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong, carries both symbolic and practical weight. The President’s itinerary focused on two critical sectors:
1. Agriculture and Food Security
Visiting the Hunan Tea Group, President Zardari explored supply chain mechanisms and invited Chinese experts to introduce modern tea cultivation and export techniques to Pakistan. The focus remains on reducing Pakistan’s import bill by localized production of high-value crops using Chinese seed innovation.
2. Smart Manufacturing and Tech Transfer
At the Sany Heavy Industry flagship “No. 18 Factory,” the President was briefed on a facility that generated $11.27 billion in revenue in 2024.
The Goal: Bolstering industrial growth through joint ventures in digital manufacturing and engineering solutions.
Infrastructure: Utilizing Sany’s expertise in wind energy and piling equipment to modernize Pakistan’s energy and construction sectors.
CPEC 2.0: From Infrastructure to Industry
Governor Mao Weiming reiterated that Hunan would actively participate in the “CPEC 2.0” framework, which prioritizes the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan and the enhancement of local manufacturing capabilities. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong noted that the expansion into minerals and high-tech agriculture adds significant depth to the 75-year-old relationship.
The President’s delegation, which includes senior ministers and finance committee chairs, is scheduled to depart for Sanya, Hainan province, on April 28, where the focus will shift to maritime cooperation and trade investments.
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