Dar, Wang Yi pledge to strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in AI, CPEC and trade

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with the Pakistani delegation, attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai on Friday, a day after Pakistan became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

Dar is in China on a two-day visit to attend WAIC 2026 and formalize Pakistan’s participation in the newly established organization. Dar would represent Pakistan in engagements focused on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and international cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO), the opening ceremony was addressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and followed the formal establishment of WAICO through the signing of its founding agreement by member states, including Pakistan.

FO said Pakistan joined the organization as a founding member after Dar signed the agreement on Thursday during his visit to Shanghai.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the development of artificial intelligence, FO said the country “supports inclusive and equitable global governance of AI, broader access to emerging technologies, capacity building of developing countries and enhanced international cooperation to bridge the digital divide.”

He adds that Pakistan believes that “the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all”.

FO said in an earlier statement that Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on the sidelines of WAICO held on Thursday, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Pakistan-China strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in emerging technologies.

Dar was accompanied by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) Syed Asad Gillani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s Chargé d’affaires in Beijing Aizaz Khan.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the overall Pakistan-China bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the continued strength and steady growth of the relations.

Both sides “reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China”, FO said.

The leaders also stressed the importance of promoting high-quality development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, agreeing to accelerate practical cooperation across a range of sectors.

“They agreed to strengthen practical cooperation and improve collaboration in the fields of trade, investment, science and technology, digital economy and artificial intelligence,” the statement said.

The meeting also focused on the latest regional and global developments, with both countries emphasizing the need for continued engagement on issues of common concern.

According to FO, both sides “reaffirmed their determination to maintain close coordination and continue consultations on issues of mutual interest.”

The statement added that “the two leaders also reiterated their commitment to continued cooperation in multilateral forums.”

FO said the meeting further strengthened strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China and highlighted the two countries’ shared vision for innovation-led growth. “It also reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to innovation-driven development and cooperation in emerging technologies,” the statement added.

According to an earlier statement from FO, the visit also aims to advance Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive and equitable AI governance, capacity building and international cooperation, while promoting the priorities of developing countries.

In recent years, Pakistan has sought to position itself as an emerging player in the AI ​​sector, with growing talent and startups driving innovation in healthcare, education and agriculture.

The country approved its National Artificial Intelligence Policy last year, outlining a roadmap focused on innovation, public awareness, secure systems and international collaboration. The plan includes an estimated investment of 278 billion rupees ($1 billion) by 2030 and initiatives such as the “AI Seekho 2026” program to train one million people.

Authorities also launched an AI sovereign cloud and seed fund, alongside efforts to establish a regulatory framework for the ethical and responsible use of AI.

The WAIC, scheduled for July 17-20 in Shanghai under the theme “AI Partnership for a Better Future,” is expected to bring together global technology leaders, policymakers and researchers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech, highlighting China’s emphasis on AI as a driver of economic growth and global governance.

Organizers say the four-day event will feature more than 140 forums and more than 1,400 attendees, with more than 1,100 companies showcasing cutting-edge innovations, including hundreds of world firsts.

The conference has become one of the world’s leading platforms for discussions on AI development, governance and industrial collaboration, while also promoting innovation, talent exchange and startup growth.