Key highlights of the visit:
- China labelled the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan as the starting point of new phase in ties. The two leaders signed 16 agreements, including one to open a strategic dialogue between the Foreign Ministers.
- Chinese government announced that, in principle, it will provide necessary assistance to Pakistan to tide over the current economic difficulties.
- Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached an alarming low of around $8 billion, barely sufficient to finance about two months of imports.
- The current account deficit in the financial year that ended in June was around $18 billion.
- It was also announced that the two countries have reached a consensus to re-brand the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), giving a people-friendly orientation to the $62 billion project.
