ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s initiative during a meeting at Alibaba Group headquarters in Hangzhou led to a landmark strategic framework agreement, marking a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s digital and economic cooperation with China.
Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV in Beijing, Tarar said the prime minister’s interaction with Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai resulted in an unexpected yet “phenomenal” agreement aimed at expanding cooperation in emerging technologies and the digital economy.
“The prime minister said that, you know, we want this agreement done and very kind of the chairman of Alibaba to actually agree to this,” Tarar said, adding that he [Alibaba chairman] instantly said, “this is the first time that you've said something like this to me and I must comply”.
The minister said Joe Tsai drafted the agreement through their own AI initiative, and the agreement was instantly drafted and printed.
“There and then that agreement was signed,” he added.
Tarar said the initiative will also support small and medium enterprises and help modernise key government systems, including digital reforms in institutions such as the Federal Board of Revenue.
According to the minister, the Alibaba chairman praised the prime minister’s fast-paced working style, referring to it as “Sharif Speed”.
He further claimed that MoUs were also signed on cloud computing, health initiatives, fintech and SME development.
Tarar said the developments will open new opportunities for Pakistani youth, particularly in training programmes related to artificial intelligence, IT skills, and digital innovation.
He said Chinese investment and collaboration would significantly improve efficiency across multiple sectors in Pakistan.
Shifting focus to the broader visit, Tarar said the prime minister’s China trip has generated strong interest in both countries, with extensive media coverage and public engagement.
He highlighted the growing people-to-people connection between Pakistan and China, especially during the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations.
He added that the prime minister’s engagements in Hangzhou and Beijing, including high-level meetings, business-to-business conferences, and agreements worth billions of dollars, reflect growing economic momentum.
Tarar said rising Chinese investment and expanding industrial cooperation demonstrate strong confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction, stating that “performance speaks for itself” amid continued development of bilateral relations.
