Chinese, Pakistani Researchers Discuss Frontiers of Bilatera

by Wang Kai

BEIJING, Sept 6 (China Economic Net) - An international academic symposium marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan was held at Peking University over the weekend, bringing together around 100 scholars, think-tank researchers, diplomats, and business representatives from the two countries.

Reviewing the momentum behind the accelerating B2B engagement, Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's ambassador to China, said that agreements worth more than $22 billion were signed between Chinese and Pakistani businesses over the past two years. Nearly 30% of it, or about $7 billion, was linked to efforts involving the relocation of enterprises.

Technology is taking an increasingly prominent role. "Over the last two years, we have opened four new centres for Pakistan studies—in Shenzhen, Shandong, Hangzhou and Shenyang," H.E. Hashmi said. Their focus differs from that of traditional Pakistan-studies programmes, with greater attention being paid to technology-related fields, including chemical technology and artificial intelligence.

Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's ambassador to China, addresses the International Academic Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Pakistan held at Peking University on Sept.4-7, 2026. Photo provided by Peking University.

Luo Zhaohui, former Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, shared his insights on new developments in Pakistan and new perspectives on China-Pakistan cooperation. He highlighted the necessity for the two countries to explore new approaches to development and continue to inject momentum into regional peace and growth.

Luo Zhaohui, former Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, addresses the International Academic Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Pakistan held at Peking University on Sept.4-7, 2026. Photo provided by Peking University.

Beyond Decarbonisation: Renewables as insurance

Energy transition is highlighted as being at the forefront in bilateral cooperation.

"Green transition is no longer just a tool to cut emissions. It has become a safety asset," said Mao Keji, an associate research fellow at the International Cooperation Centre of China's National Development and Reform Commission.

An empirical analysis of monthly data from 12 economies in South and Southeast Asia between 2025 and 2026 found that for every 10-percentage-point increase in a country's dependence on imported oil and natural gas, green-energy imports rose by about 3.6% following a crisis, while electric-vehicle imports increased by roughly 7.9%.

By the end of May 2026, the country's cumulative imports of solar panels had exceeded 55,700 MW, or 55.7 GW, reflecting the enormous build-up from the solar-import boom of previous years, particularly in 2023 and 2024. The State Bank of Pakistan estimates that replacing fossil-fuel generation with solar power could eventually cut the country's annual energy-import bill by between $5.2 billion and $7.8 billion.

The strategic value of the green transition goes beyond decarbonisation, Mr. Mao argued. It can shorten the transmission chain through which geopolitical shocks—from conflicts in the Middle East, for instance—reach domestic energy markets and inflation. In that sense, renewable energy becomes a form of risk management.

"A solar installation requires a large upfront capital investment but can replace years of recurring dollar-denominated fuel purchases. Financing can also be structured in different currencies, including the renminbi, potentially giving countries greater room for policy manoeuvre and reducing their exposure to external financing constraints. A more diversified energy-supply chain, meanwhile, can make economies less vulnerable to disruptions in any single source," he said.

The energy story goes beyond solar.

Liu Yonggang, Assistant CEO, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Legal Advisor of China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited (CSAIL) said that the Karot Hydropower Project is meeting the electricity demand of around five million local people. Having generated more than 12 billion kWh of electricity cumulatively, it saves about 1.4 million tonnes of standard coal a year and cutting carbon-dioxide emissions by roughly 3.5 million tonnes. At the end of its concession period, the project will be transferred to Pakistan free of charge, becoming a permanent state asset.

"Our wind-power projects in Pakistan have reached a combined installed capacity of 150 MW with cumulative generation of 3.2 billion kWh, complementing hydropower and helping create a more diversified and stable clean-energy mix," he said.

Local Connections and Community Empowerment

Greater B2B engagement is also tightening the links between provinces and cities in the two countries.

Taking agriculture as an example, Zhang Shulan, Direcotr of the Center for South Asian Studies at Shandong University, highlighted the increasingly specialised nature of subnational cooperation.

"Xinjiang, with its experience in cotton production and desertification control, can offer relevant expertise to Pakistan. Shaanxi has been involved in talent-development initiatives, while Hubei has particular strengths in seeds and agricultural technology," she reviewed.

On the Pakistani side, Sindh is exploring contract farming and the development of supply chains for exports to China, including chillies supplied directly to Sichuan and products such as mangoes. Punjab is introducing new technologies through demonstration farms to improve domestic food production, including hybrid rice, maize and cauliflower. Gilgit-Baltistan has potential for developing border markets, while Balochistan could benefit from investment in higher-value agricultural chains, including cold storage and logistics.

For all the emphasis on investment, energy and trade, the most consequential measure of the partnership may be what it does for ordinary people.

Approaching from the perspective of female empowerment, Zhou Yuan and Xiao Xueqin from Beijing Foreign Studies University, summarised CPEC is evolving from an infrastructure project into a platform for human development.

In Balochistan, school-assistance programmes have expanded from primary to secondary education, creating pathways to further study for around 550 girls and contributing to a significant rise in female enrolment.

At the Gwadar Vocational and Technical Institute, girls accounted for nearly 44% of the first intake, with courses including artificial intelligence and e-commerce. A planned "Ban Mo College" is expected to deepen cooperation between schools and enterprises and train locally based digital talent.

Other programmes are addressing less visible but equally important barriers to education. The "She Power" initiative, for instance, aims to distribute hygiene kits to 70,000 girls while providing teachers with training in personal hygiene.

"In the future, bilateral cooperation is expected to expand into broader fields, transitioning from economic empowerment to comprehensive social empowerment," Xiao said.