China Pledges $1 Billion for Medical City in Pakistan During High-Level Talks with President Zardari

“Chinese delegation discusses expanding investments in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and more, reinforcing Pakistan-China economic ties.”

Islamabad [Pakistan], December 13: A Chinese business delegation has expressed interest in investing $1 billion to establish a state-of-the-art medical city in Pakistan. The announcement was made during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House in Karachi, as reported by Dawn.

Pakistan views China as a trusted economic partner, benefiting from a range of investments, including the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), often described as the “lifeline” of Pakistan’s economy. According to a World Bank report, China remains Pakistan’s largest creditor, holding approximately 22% of the country’s total debt, amounting to nearly PKR 29 billion.

During the meeting, led by Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong, President Zardari called for expanded Chinese investments in Pakistan’s diverse economic sectors to strengthen bilateral trade. “The delegation expressed interest in establishing a $1 billion medical city to advance Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure,” noted a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) press release.

The delegation also showed interest in investing in agriculture, livestock, energy, transport, and manufacturing. Highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations, President Zardari reaffirmed his vision for developing Gwadar Port into a regional trade and economic hub, improving connectivity and fostering economic cooperation.

The meeting was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Nasir Hussain Shah, and Special Assistant to the CM on Public-Private Partnership Qasim Naveed Qamar.

President Zardari warmly welcomed the investment proposals, assuring the delegation of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating and supporting foreign investors across all sectors.