Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou on the first leg of his four-day official visit to China, as Pakistan and China prepare to deepen their strategic partnership with more than 100 agreements and memorandums of understanding worth over $5 billion expected to be signed.
He was received at the airport by the deputy governor, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima, and Tariq Fatemi were also present.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Hangzhou for his 4 day official visit to China. Vice Governor Zhejiang Province Xu Wenguang received the Prime Minister at Xiaoshan Hangzhou International Airport upon his arrival. 23 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/7jWFHxEjlT
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 23, 2026
After touching down, Prime Minister Sharif posted a message on social media platform X regarding the visit. He said he was grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome, adding that he looked forward to promoting cooperation in various fields.
I have arrived in the beautiful and dynamic city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as part of my official visit to China.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 23, 2026
I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.
We look forward to strengthening practical… pic.twitter.com/T60RoRsDrh
The visit is being seen as a major step towards a new era of economic cooperation between the two longtime allies, with discussions expected on investment, industrial collaboration, trade and technology.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Hangzhou on the first leg of his four-day visit to China. During the visit, he will attend business forums on CPEC Phase II, meet Chinese company CEOs, and participate in meetings to strengthen bilateral cooperation.#PMShehbazInChina pic.twitter.com/E2hKHM4NYD
— PMLN Lahore (@LahorePMLN) May 23, 2026
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
The meetings will focus on the evolving regional situation, the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), industrial cooperation and opportunities for fresh Chinese investment in Pakistan.
According to sources, around 90% of the planned agreements are business-to-business projects, while the remaining 10% involve government-to-business cooperation.
Agreements worth over $5bn expected
Officials say more than 100 agreements and MoUs worth over $5 billion are likely to be finalised during the visit. The main signing ceremony is scheduled for May 24, while key official meetings in Beijing are expected to take place on May 25.
The agreements are expected to cover a range of sectors, including trade, infrastructure, technology, and investment.
In the first phase of the visit, the prime minister will travel to Hangzhou, where he will meet the leadership of Zhejiang Province.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also attend a Business Forum being held under Phase 2 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The forum aims to promote cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
Prime Minister Sharif will also meet the CEOs of leading Chinese companies and visit the headquarters of Alibaba Group during his stay.
Focus on diplomacy, agricultural cooperation
The prime minister will also participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
As part of the visit, he is expected to tour the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences, highlighting growing cooperation in agriculture and research.
After completing the four-day visit, Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to return to Pakistan on May 26.
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