Tag: Pakistan-China relations

  • Pakistan’s exports to China surge to $1223.5 million

    Pakistan’s exports to China surge to $1223.5 million

    In a noteworthy development, Pakistan’s export of goods and services to China experienced a substantial increase of 39.44 per cent during the initial five months of the current fiscal year (2023–24), as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    According to the latest SBP data, the overall exports to China reached $1223.532 million from July to November (2023–24), marking a significant rise compared to the $877.444 million recorded during the same period last fiscal year.

    On a year-to-year basis, the exports to China showed a remarkable growth of 36.29 per cent, rising from $199.058 million in November 2022 to $271.316 million in November 2023.

    However, on a month-on-month basis, there was a slight decline in exports to China during November 2023, registering a decrease of 14.90 per cent compared to the exports of $318.842 million in October 2023, as per the SBP data.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan’s overall exports to other countries exhibited a commendable increase of 4.99 per cent in the first five months, surging from US $11.915 billion to US $12.510 billion, according to the SBP data.

    In contrast, the imports from China into Pakistan during the reviewed months amounted to US $4741.099 million, reflecting a decline of 6.03 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year (2022–23).

    On a year-on-year basis, imports from China saw a notable increase of 10.71 per cent, rising from US $906.128 million in November 2022 to US $1003.248 million in November 2023.

    On a month-on-month basis, the imports from China recorded a marginal uptick of 0.99 per cent in November 2023 compared to the imports of US $993.401 million in October 2023, according to the data.

    The overall imports into Pakistan witnessed a significant decrease of 16.02 per cent, declining from $25.341 billion to US $21.281 billion, as reported by the data.

  • Khunjerab Pass reopens to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and China

    Khunjerab Pass reopens to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and China

    In a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed his pleasure over the reopening of the Khunjerab Pass on Sunday. He stated that this development would help to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and China, and described it as a welcome occasion for boosting trade with “Iron brother China.”

    The prime minister emphasised that the reopening of the Pass had removed a hurdle that would further expedite the pace of work on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He added that the restoration of the trade route between the two countries, after a span of three years, was a matter of great rejoicing.

    Furthermore, the prime minister noted that the journey towards CPEC had started way back in November 2019 and recommenced in the year 2023. He expressed his resolve to move ahead on CPEC with dual speed in comparison to 2018.

    He said that CPEC is a gift of progress and prosperity given by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Chinese leadership for the region and the people. The prime minister also mentioned the affection and cooperation from the Chinese leadership for the people of Pakistan, which he described as unforgettable.

    The prime minister expressed his disappointment over a “foreign funded person” who had created controversy over CPEC. However, he appreciated the relevant authorities of the two countries and the team members over the restoration of trade and travel facilities.