President Asif Ali Zardari visited Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. in Changsha, Hunan province, China, on Sunday to boost industrial cooperation and technology partnership between Pakistan and China, the president's office said.
Strengthening CPEC Ties
The visit is part of Zardari's week-long trip to China, which began on Saturday, aimed at strengthening trade, economic, and strategic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During his tour of Sany Heavy Industry, the president was briefed by chairman Tang Xiuguo on the company's advanced manufacturing systems, product lines, and ongoing research and development investments.
Zardari witnessed the company's operations, including core business areas such as concrete machinery, excavators, cranes, piling equipment, and road machinery. He was informed of its financial performance, including a 2024 operating revenue of $11.27 billion.
Appreciation for Technological Depth
“President Zardari appreciated the scale, sophistication, and technological depth of SANY's manufacturing ecosystem,” the president's office stated. “He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in industrial technology, skill development, and joint ventures that could support Pakistan’s infrastructure and industrial growth. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as construction machinery, digital manufacturing, clean energy, and engineering solutions.”
China remains a major ally and investor in Pakistan, pledging over $65 billion in investment under CPEC, part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative.
Digital Manufacturing Facility Tour
The president was given a tour of the company's digitally integrated manufacturing facility, recognized for its advanced automation and data-driven production systems. He was briefed on the factory's intelligent operations, high automation rate, and its role as a benchmark for modern industrial manufacturing.
“He noted the scale of technological integration and its relevance for countries seeking to modernize industrial production and improve efficiency,” the president's office said. Chairman Tang Xiuguo underlined the company's commitment to innovation, digitalization, and international partnerships, informing about ongoing operations in Pakistan and expressing willingness to explore increased collaboration in manufacturing, technology exchange, and capacity building.
Visit to Hunan Tea Group
Zardari later visited Hunan Tea Group Co., Ltd., where he was briefed by chairman Zhou Zhongwang on the company's operations, supply chain, and international market presence. The president was apprised of the group's end-to-end model, integrating cultivation, processing, research, marketing, and tea culture within a single industrial framework. The briefing outlined how ecological tea garden bases, specialized production facilities, and distribution systems support domestic sales and exports.
“The president noted the scope for cooperation in value addition, agro-processing, and export development, and invited the Group to explore opportunities for collaboration with Pakistan in these areas,” Zardari's office said.
Economic Diplomacy Push
Zardari's visit to China occurs as Islamabad attempts to forge closer trade, economic, and investment ties with Beijing, Middle Eastern countries, and other regional allies. Pakistan's push for economic diplomacy has intensified in recent months as it seeks sustainable economic growth driven by exports and reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund.
