Moin ul Haque (Pakistan Ambassador to China, Beijing): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting China on special invitation of his Chinese counterpart. After the conclusion of 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, it is a special invitation which has been extended to a select few international leaders. It is also the first official bilateral visit of Prime Minister to China. Shehbaz Sharif will meet with Chinese President, Premier and head of Congress Party. China is a deep friend and strategic partner of Pakistan. In-depth discussions will be held on economic and strategic ties, including CPEC. A number of important MoUs and agreements are to be signed during this visit. Prime Minister will address a forum comprising representatives of major Chinese business companies. Shehbaz Sharif will also invite them to invest in Pakistan. China is committed to economic stability of Pakistan and it stands with Islamabad. Chinese government and people helped massively for the flood victims of Pakistan. China had announced 400 RMB million earlier which will be formally announced to Pakistan during the visit.  

Dr. Zafar Malik (Senior Journalist, Beijing):  The visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China is of key importance. Prime Minister will arrive in China tomorrow evening. He is scheduled to meet business persons and business enterprises that are conducting businesses under the umbrella of CPEC in Pakistan. Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet Chinese high level officials including Chinese President as well as Premier. Both sides are expected to sign various MoUs of cooperation. Shehbaz Sharif will also meet with Chinese Foreign Minister and Commerce Minister. The volume of China, Pakistan bilateral trade is 28 billion dollars and it is in favor of China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants to reduce this gap. He will also attend a forum where he will invite Chinese businessmen to invest in various industries in new specialized economic zones in Pakistan. Other meetings the Prime Minister will attend will enhance the two way contacts. Pakistani Prime Minister is one of the first leaders who is visiting the country at this critical time when 20th Congress of Chinese Communist Party just concluded. China is the second largest economy of the country with heavy focus on exports. Pakistan can learn from Chinese experience in this crucial area by learning how to increase exports of various products. 

Muhammad Asghar (APP correspondent, Beijing): A warm reception awaits Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his first official visit to China. Global Times and other English publications of Chinese media have written articles on the upcoming visit. In daily press briefing of Chinese foreign ministry, the spokesperson said Chinese officials are looking forward to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China. Chinese President and Premier will hold meetings with Shehbaz Sharif. The leadership of the two countries will also discuss ways and means to further reinvigorate China Pakistan Economic Corridor and to add new areas into it including agriculture, IT and livelihoods. CPEC is a very important component of Road and Belt Initiative of Chinese President and its success will determine the future course of this gigantic project. China considers Pakistan its dearest friend. Recently, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of Chinahas concluded and immediate after it the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being viewed as very important.  Relations between China and Pakistan span into many areas including strategic, economic, and military.