ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to China, Dr Syed Ali Asad Gilani, to prioritise economic and industrial cooperation with Beijing, particularly in technology, agriculture and skills development.

The president issued the directives on Tuesday during a meeting with Gilani at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

Zardari called for enhanced business-to-business cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as Pakistan seeks to expand the economic dimension of its longstanding strategic relationship with China.

He identified modern agriculture, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as key areas for increased bilateral cooperation. He also emphasised the need to develop skills and create employment opportunities for Pakistani youth.

The president urged the ambassador-designate to engage more actively with Chinese government institutions, the Communist Party of China, think tanks, universities and the media to further strengthen bilateral relations.

He also called for the expansion of people-to-people contacts, including student exchange programmes, between Pakistan and China.

Zardari said Pakistan should build on its strong political relationship with Beijing by promoting greater economic integration. He described ties with China as the most consequential element of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

The meeting took place as Islamabad continues efforts to attract Chinese investment and promote industrial cooperation under CPEC 2.0, following the infrastructure-focused first phase of the corridor.

The president also expressed anticipation of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan for next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.