Future Of Enduring Trade, Technology, And Cultural Ties Between China And Pakistan
The diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China is widely recognised. Both countries have been in cordial relations for the past 75 years. In a time of dire need, the two sides became an impenetrable wall, supporting one another. Their strategic, economic, and defence partnership is well established and is a topic of discussion in global affairs. In light of its distinguished history, the question arises: what kind of relations are necessary to maintain this amiable relationship between both for the next 75 years? What should define the next phase of this partnership? Over the past two decades the cooperation has increased in areas like education, knowledge exchange, and investments; however, the future hinges on expanding the sustainable economic exchanges in trade, technology, and soft culture.
Imbalance in the External Sector
The bilateral goods trade between China and Pakistan reached US $23.06 billion in 2024. Relying on this figure, only one could say that it is magnificent. But reality says otherwise. Pakistan’s export to China was $2.38 billion; on the contrary, the exports of China to Pakistan were about $20.23 billion in the same period, engendering a deficit of $18 billion annually. This disequilibrium is not sustainable in the long run. Pakistan lacks the capacity to buy more than it sells and also struggles with the foreign exchange reserves side, which were approximately $19 billion in 2024.
The crucial cause of this gap arises from both sides. Pakistan only exports perishable and non-value-added goods, which include rice, fruits, and seeds. Even a minor delay at the borders deteriorates or even spoils the goods, causing a huge loss. On the contrary, China has been exporting the packaged or value-added goods that obviously generate more revenue. Another reason that tremendously affects exports of Pakistan is the non-tariff barriers that encompass strict certification requirements and licensing problems.
China must through concrete actions can reduce this gap. Firstly, creating fast fast-tracking approval system for agricultural products. Secondly, Pakistan’s textile accounts for 60% of national exports: by collaboration with Chinese firms in technical textiles and automated machinery, this sector’s productivity can be further enhanced. Lastly, measurable targets must be created aiming to increase the imports of Pakistan.
Technology: Reshaping the landscapes
The technological association provides the best prospects for the future. One can not deny the vast implications of technology, so this is the area from which true benefit can be generated. China has undeniably become the powerhouse of tech, and this is where Pakistan’s actual needs lie. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority report 2022-23, more than 60% of Pakistan’s 4G network was developed with the help of Huawei. Now, for the next step, which is 5G, China is not only bringing equipment but also the training. 8000 students have been trained at the Huawei Pakistan ICT Academy. As our country not only lacks the basic infrastructure but also trained staff for operating. So, Chinese companies like LONGi and JA Solar are building factories in Pakistan to promote the local production of solar panels, which will definitely increase jobs, build skills and reduce the import costs.
IT is another sector of cooperation. The country’s ICT exports reached a record $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2024–25. Partnering with Chinese software firms will increase the opportunities for investments in Pakistani startups. E-commerce is already benefiting Pakistan, even though it is now at the grassroots level. Pakistani businessmen take products from Alibaba and sell them through the Chinese platform without the government’s agreement. This cooperation can be enhanced when channeled through proper government interventions. According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), there are over 28,000 students who are studying in China pursuing degrees in engineering and tech. These students will bridge the gap between the two countries by acquiring the necessary skills, and investment in human capital is beneficial in the long term.
Cultural Exchange: A Broken Thread
The cultural understanding between both countries is at its worst because most Pakistanis have little or no understanding of Chinese and vice versa. This ignorance creates problems and lacks generosity. First comes the language, the complex language, Mandarin, which is hardly known by few. Even the contributions of the Confucius Institute have been helped by operating at major universities in Pakistan. Though thousands of students have learned basic Chinese but this is not enough to create a sentiment among the people. Both Governments have to make arrangements to provide education for Urdu in China and Chinese in Pakistan.
The tourism sector is also underdeveloped. Due to security concerns and visa complications, the number of tourists to the northern areas of Pakistan remained low. Media cooperation is a dire need to grab attention. Chinese dramas seldom play in Pakistani Cinemas. Joint production is necessary to make people familiar with the histories of each other’s nations.
Lack of cultural exchange creates discriminatory situations for the people and students residing in each other’s countries. Cultural sensitivity training must be made mandatory for work going to each country. The Pakistan-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad hosts Cultural events, but its effects are diminutive. Sister City arrangements should proliferate. Karachi and Shanghai, Lahore and Beijing, Peshawar and Xi’an should establish formal ties.
Final Remarks
We need transformation because this is essential and not just an option. If we want this cordial bilateral relationship to continue for more 75 years, repetitive patterns of the past won’t work. Trade must genuinely become balanced as China needs a compatible partner rather than a dependent client. One-sided relationships collapse eventually under their own weight. Technology cooperation must create capacity building over dependency. Pakistan should improve and innovate the Chinese-designed products and then manufacture them. This will create a partnership based on equality and not on client-patron. The cultural aspect needs a priority status because without mutual understanding, even the strongest official ties fall prey to risks and fragility. The basis of infrastructure has been laid; now comes the harder tasks: building a sustainable economy. Speeches will not guarantee the prosperity of the nations, but by mutually enhancing cooperation with honest communication and efforts that are relentless.
