CHANGSHA, China: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday called for stronger industrial and technological cooperation with China, emphasising the need for joint ventures, skill development and technology transfer to support Pakistan’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
President Zardari made the remarks during a visit to SANY Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, where he was briefed on the company’s advanced manufacturing systems and operations.
The visit formed part of his week-long trip to China focused on enhancing economic and trade cooperation.
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
The president arrived on Saturday and is scheduled to remain in Changsha until Monday before travelling to Sanya in Hainan province.
Industrial collaboration
President Zardari appreciated the scale, sophistication and technological depth of SANY’s manufacturing ecosystem, according to a statement from the President’s Secretariat.
He stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in industrial technology, skill development and joint ventures, noting that such partnerships could contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
The president highlighted opportunities for collaboration in construction machinery, digital manufacturing, clean energy and engineering solutions.
In a post on X, the Presidency said the visit underscored a focus on “smart manufacturing to tech transfers in construction and clean energy” aimed at modernising Pakistan’s infrastructure through global partnerships.
Advanced manufacturing
During the visit, SANY Group Chairman Tang Xiuguo briefed the president on the company’s core business areas, including construction and mining equipment, port machinery, oil drilling systems and renewable wind energy technologies.
President Zardari was also given a tour of the company’s flagship No. 18 Factory, described as a digitally integrated manufacturing facility known for advanced automation and data-driven production systems.
The President was briefed on the factory’s intelligent operations, high automation rate and its role as a benchmark for modern industrial manufacturing.
The president was informed about the company’s financial performance, including operating revenue of $11.27 billion in 2024, as well as its continued investment in research and development.
Pakistan-China cooperation
Tang Xiuguo said the company was committed to innovation, digitalisation and international partnerships, and expressed willingness to expand collaboration with Pakistan in manufacturing, technology exchange and capacity building.
Changsha Vice Mayor Qian Lixia was also present during the visit.
The president was accompanied by senior Pakistani officials, including Saleem Mandviwalla, Naveed Qamar and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, along with China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.
Cooperation in agriculture and education
Separately, President Zardari visited Hunan Tea Group to explore cooperation in agro-processing and value addition, according to a Presidency post on X.
He was briefed on supply chain mechanisms and invited the company to share expertise in tea cultivation and exports with Pakistan.
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
Later, President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan-China relations remain a cornerstone of Islamabad’s foreign policy during a meeting with Shen Xiaoming.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, health, education and trade, while also reviewing regional developments.
President Zardari invited Shen to visit Pakistan as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He also highlighted prospects for collaboration in seed technology, agricultural research and modern farming, as well as trade in agricultural machinery, minerals processing and information and communication technologies.
President Zardari met Hunan Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming, explored cooperation in key areas, invited him to the 75th anniversary of 🇵🇰🇨🇳 diplomatic ties. He also attended a banquet hosted by Governor Mao Weiming in his honour. pic.twitter.com/RDI7ECUonK
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 26, 2026
Broader cooperation
At a banquet hosted in his honour by Hunan Governor Mao Weiming, the Chinese official described Pakistan and China as “good friends, good neighbours, good partners and good brothers”, and reaffirmed support for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
In his remarks, President Zardari noted Hunan’s historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong and reflected on his longstanding ties with China, dating back to his first visit in 1989.
He said the people of Pakistan and China share deep-rooted bonds and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said the visit highlighted growing cooperation in agriculture, industry and minerals, and expressed hope that it would further deepen ties and mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
