KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, emphasized the enduring significance of the Pakistan-China alliance as a key factor in regional stability and economic progress. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Hussain highlighted the evolution of their partnership into a multifaceted alliance encompassing political, economic, social, trade, and defense dimensions.

According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Hussain noted the strong alignment between Islamabad and Beijing on global issues, with coordinated efforts at international forums like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He commended China's consistent position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reiterated the business community's support for the One-China principle. The partnership's joint diplomatic efforts in the Gulf and Middle East were also highlighted as evidence of their shared commitment to global peace and stability.

Hussain pointed to significant economic developments, citing a substantial 83.5 percent increase in Pakistani exports to China as of March 2026. This surge, fueled by growth in sectors such as refined copper and cotton yarn, reflects a shift toward enhanced industrial capacity in Pakistan. Despite the substantial trade volume, efforts to address the trade deficit through increased value-added exports are ongoing.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains central to the alliance, according to Hussain. He acknowledged its transformative impact on infrastructure and its potential to serve as a hub for regional connectivity. As CPEC prepares to enter its next phase, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, and technology, Hussain expressed optimism about further institutionalizing the partnership during Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming visit to China.