BEIJING(National times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that China’s development is a role model for Pakistan, and that the country’s doors are always open to Chinese investors. Speaking at the second Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference in Beijing, the prime minister called the event a significant step toward attracting multi-billion-dollar investments to Pakistan. Highlighting the decades-long friendship between Pakistan and China, Shehbaz Sharif praised China for standing by Pakistan during difficult times. He emphasised that the two countries share a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. He recalled that President Xi Jinping laid the foundation for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his 2015 visit to Islamabad, which resulted in $35 billion of Chinese investment. Under CPEC, major infrastructure projects such as the Orange Line and several dams were completed, while the energy crisis was brought under control in just three years. The prime minister noted that CPEC has also revitalised Pakistan’s agriculture and industrial sectors. He stressed that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that the country is benefiting from China’s expertise and technology in various fields, including AI, mining, and information technology. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), offering attractive opportunities for Chinese industries looking to relocate. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to deeper cooperation with China in the second phase of CPEC and assured that Chinese citizens in Pakistan will receive full protection, with no compromise on their security. He added that China, now the world’s second-largest economy, has also demonstrated its military strength on the global stage. The Prime Minister praised China’s rise as a symbol of national progress and discipline. During the conference, Pakistan and China exchanged 21 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, securing $4.2 billion in new investments. These MoUs cover areas such as petrochemicals, solar energy, agriculture, iron and steel, and electric vehicles. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that these agreements will further strengthen bilateral cooperation, and he appreciated the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Board of Investment, and other institutions in promoting economic ties. Calling the B2B conference a “milestone” in Pakistan’s development, he said it will mark the beginning of an economic “long march” toward sustainable growth. “China is Pakistan’s second home,” he remarked, adding that Chinese investment will lead to economic strength and job creation in Pakistan. With unwavering resolve and tireless efforts, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is on the right path and will achieve its economic goals swiftly.