Pakistani ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi on Thursday called for a new era of international cooperation focused on trade in services, and expected enhanced services trade with China. Speaking virtually to a forum on the development of trade in services at the ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, the envoy said that the services sector had become central to the global economy, accounting for the majority of output and more than a quarter of global trade.

“China is a major player in global trade in services. Its leadership in fin-tech, e-commerce, logistics, and green services, as well as its commitment to fostering global dialogue on services, demonstrates wisdom and long-term vision. Pakistan looks at China's achievements in this vital area with both admiration and determination,” the ambassador remarked. The envoy linked Pakistan’s experience with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to the need for new forms of cooperation. “Physical connectivity must now be matched with digital platforms, data cooperation, and innovation ecosystems,” he said.

Hashmi outlined three key areas for enhanced international partnerships in the services sector. These include bridging the digital divide through shared platforms and equitable infrastructure, advancing green services such as renewable energy and smart city solutions, and deepening institutional openness to harmonise standards and enable talent mobility. The official said Beijing's approach of "openness, inclusivity, and win-win cooperation resonates deeply with the aspirations of the Global South."

"Pakistan stands ready to partner with China and the international community... to turn today's dialogue into tomorrow's enduring cooperation," he concluded. China’s services imports and exports exceeded $1 trillion in 2024, ranking second globally, official data showed.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China