Pakistan & China Building a Smarter Trade Future
As global supply chains undergo digital and structural upgrades, Sheikh Muhammad Shariq, Chief Representative of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Beijing Office, emphasized the need for localized financial services, better liquidity solutions for SMEs, and a unified trade framework during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo.
Speaking at the panel on “Supply Chain Optimization and Strategic Innovation,” Shariq highlighted the growing responsibility nations share in building sustainable and innovative global value chains. He stressed that complete and locally tailored financial services are essential to minimize trader conflicts and to support both leading enterprises and emerging startups.
The global supply chain, he stated, must follow a diversified path—one that benefits not only industrial giants like China but also Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participants such as Pakistan, especially under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
To optimize the chain further, Shariq called for an improved financing mechanism that enables smoother capital flow and reduces reliance on single funding sources. Simultaneously, he urged for a unified international framework to harmonize standards and bridge cultural or operational gaps, thus facilitating efficient global cooperation.
On Pakistan-China financial ties, he shared that NBP has operated in China since 1981, supporting Chinese companies in energy, agriculture, e-commerce, and digital technology. With branches in 80 countries, NBP plays a pivotal role in cross-border liquidity, especially for SMEs.
Shariq concluded that a stable, inclusive, and flexible financial ecosystem is vital to ensuring resilient global supply chains and robust cross-border business development.
