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Agro exports fall 40% in December as rice shipments drop to $208m

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Agro exports fall 40% in December as rice shipments drop to $208m

ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (ABC): Pakistan recorded a sharp decline in agro and food exports in December. Lower rice shipments played a major role in the drop, according to the Monthly Trade Report issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

Agro exports drive overall decline

TDAP data shows that agro and food exports fell by 40 percent compared to December last year. This fall made the sector a key reason behind weaker export earnings. Meanwhile, other export sectors showed smaller declines.

Rice exports fall sharply

Rice exports dropped significantly during the month. TDAP reported that rice shipments fell by 38 percent in December. Export earnings declined to $208 million from last year’s level. Even so, rice remained one of Pakistan’s top agricultural export items.

Other food products also decline

The report shows that several other food items also recorded lower exports. These declines show that the slowdown affected the wider agro sector. The drop did not remain limited to a single product.

First half of FY26 remains weak

Agro exports also stayed under pressure during the first half of FY26. TDAP data shows a 35 percent decline from July to December. Export earnings fell to $2.688 billion during the period. These figures were lower than last year’s level.

Textiles reduce overall losses

The textile sector performed better than agro exports. Some textile categories reported declines, but the overall fall remained limited. Textiles continued to lead Pakistan’s export earnings and helped reduce total losses.

Exports fall year-on-year

TDAP data shows that Pakistan’s total exports declined on a year-on-year basis in December. The fall in agro and food exports played a major role. Data for July–December FY26 also shows weaker earnings from agriculture, while some non-agricultural exports stayed stable.

PIA’s Privatisation

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PIA’s Privatisation

By Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmed Khokhar

PIA privatisation offers a blueprint for transforming loss-making public-sector enterprises into engines of economic growth. For decades, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been a source of both pride and frustration for Pakistanis, symbolising national ambition as much as public-sector inefficiency. Chronic losses, mounting liabilities, and declining service standards gradually turned the national carrier from a strategic asset into a fiscal burden.

The recent decision to transfer a majority stake to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group therefore represents more than a commercial transaction. It is an opportunity to finally translate long-delayed reform commitments into measurable outcomes.

Transparency and process as confidence-building tools

What sets this privatisation apart is not only the asset involved but also the process through which it was executed. Competitive, transparent, and live-televised bidding directly addressed a longstanding criticism surrounding major public-sector deals: opacity.

In reforming economies, confidence is built when procedures are visible, predictable, and consistently applied. By placing the process itself under public scrutiny, the transaction sent an important signal. It showed that rules, rather than discretion, would govern outcomes.

Domestic capital and policy credibility

The identity of the buyer is equally significant. The Arif Habib Group’s decision to invest in PIA reflects a strategic deployment of domestic capital, signalling confidence not only in the airline but also in Pakistan’s broader policy and institutional direction. Unlike foreign capital, domestic investors are fully exposed to the country’s economic cycles, regulatory environment, and political realities.

Their willingness to commit therefore carries deeper informational value about expectations regarding policy continuity and institutional stability.

Linking theory with practice

This confidence aligns with a wider development insight. In Gambling on Development, economist Stephen Dercon argues that durable reform takes hold when domestic investors make long-term commitments because they trust that rules will hold and policies will endure.

The PIA transaction translates this principle into practice. It marks a tangible vote of confidence in Pakistan’s reform trajectory and institutional credibility.

Governance, not ownership, will decide outcomes

The implications extend well beyond financial restructuring. PIA’s privatisation is a direct test of whether Pakistan can shift from discretionary control to rule-based governance. Success will depend on whether authority is clearly delegated, professional management is empowered, and performance rather than intervention determines outcomes.

The airline’s future will therefore reflect not just managerial competence but also the state’s capacity to step back, honour agreed frameworks, and resist political or bureaucratic intrusion.

Institutional coordination behind the deal

Collective institutional coordination was central to the execution of this landmark privatisation. The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan played a foundational role by structuring the transaction and ensuring procedural integrity and transparency.

The Ministry of Finance provided fiscal stewardship by restructuring bank loans, addressing taxation issues, facilitating stakeholder negotiations, and aligning the privatisation with Pakistan’s home-grown reform agenda and IMF programme commitments. Complementing these efforts, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) functioned as a high-level coordination platform. It streamlined approvals across ministries, resolved inter-agency bottlenecks, and reduced transaction uncertainty.

Together, these institutions converted a complex, multi-stakeholder exercise into a coherent and manageable process. Importantly, they established a collaborative framework capable of translating reform intent into sustained economic performance.

Lessons from international aviation experience

International experience provides useful perspective. Airlines such as Japan Airlines and Turkish Airlines succeeded by combining commercial discipline, professional autonomy, and long-term planning. Global leaders including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways demonstrate that sustained success rests on governance quality, operational efficiency, and continuous investment in people.

Pakistan’s challenge is not replication. Instead, it lies in internalising the principles that underpin these outcomes.

Aligning commercial incentives with national interest

Commercial incentives reinforce this trajectory. In aviation, profitability is closely tied to operational reliability, fleet utilisation, route strategy, and service quality. Improvements in these areas align private returns with national interest.

A credible airline that connects Pakistan to the world strengthens tourism, trade, and connectivity. At the same time, it projects institutional competence internationally.

A blueprint beyond aviation

The broader relevance of this transaction is systemic. With many state-owned enterprises continuing to absorb substantial public resources, PIA’s restructuring could serve as a blueprint beyond aviation. Even partial success would demonstrate that reform is possible when incentives align and governance is insulated from interference.

More importantly, it would show that policy design can be followed by disciplined execution.

From reform intent to measurable results

The privatisation of PIA marks a defining moment for Pakistan’s economic future. Its success would go beyond reviving a single enterprise. It would signal the country’s ability to translate policy into practice, honour commitments, and manage complex reforms.

A thriving airline strengthens connectivity, trade, and tourism, all critical levers of growth. On the global stage, it would demonstrate Pakistan’s capacity to meet international standards, attract investment, and project institutional competence. Above all, it would show that when institutions hold and execution follows intent, Pakistan can convert reform into results and ambition into sustained economic progress.

Pakistan and Female Literacy

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Pakistan and Female Literacy

Adil Haider Baloch

Pakistan’s education crisis is not gender-neutral. It disproportionately affects women and girls, and the cost is national. Female literacy stands at 53%, compared to 70% for males, according to the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey 2019–20. As a result, Pakistan continues to fall short of its development goals. Unless this gap is addressed urgently, progress in economic growth, social stability, and human development will remain limited.

Why Female Literacy Remains Low

Several factors continue to suppress female literacy in Pakistan. First, deep-rooted socio-cultural norms discourage girls’ education. In many rural and conservative communities, families still view schooling for girls as optional. Boys are seen as future earners, while girls are expected to manage households. Moreover, selective interpretations of religion reinforce these beliefs, despite Islam’s emphasis on education for all.

In addition, security concerns have weakened confidence in girls’ schooling. The 2012 attack on Malala Yousafzai created fear among already hesitant families. As a result, many parents chose to keep their daughters at home.

Economic pressure further worsens the situation. When household income is limited, families prioritise sons’ education. Girls are often pushed into domestic work or early marriage. According to UNICEF, 21% of Pakistani girls marry before the age of 18, which usually ends their education.

Infrastructure gaps also play a major role. In many rural areas, girls’ schools are scarce or understaffed. The lack of female teachers, clean sanitation facilities, and safe transport makes regular attendance difficult and unsafe.

The Cost of Keeping Women Illiterate

Low female literacy carries serious economic consequences. Limited education restricts women’s participation in the labour market. Only 22% of women are formally employed, according to the World Bank. As a result, Pakistan fails to benefit from half of its human capital, which slows productivity and growth.

Social costs are equally severe. Educated women tend to marry later and have healthier families. They are also more likely to ensure child immunisation and access to healthcare. Furthermore, literacy enables women to question harmful traditions and engage more actively in civic life. This empowerment is essential for reducing inequality.

What Is Being Done—and Why It Falls Short

The government has recognised the issue. Article 25-A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 16. In addition, programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme link financial assistance to school attendance.

Meanwhile, civil society has stepped in to fill gaps. Organisations like The Citizens Foundation operate more than 1,800 schools nationwide, with a strong focus on girls. Digital platforms such as Taleemabad are also expanding learning access in remote areas.

However, progress remains uneven. Persistent underfunding, teacher shortages, and cultural resistance continue to limit impact. The challenge is most visible in Balochistan, where female literacy remains at 32%, highlighting deep regional disparities.

The Way Forward

To close the gender literacy gap, Pakistan must move beyond symbolic commitments. Education spending should rise to at least 4% of GDP, with priority for girls’ schooling. Religious scholars and community leaders must actively challenge regressive narratives and promote education as a shared responsibility. The state should also expand girls’ schools, recruit trained female teachers, and ensure safe transport in underserved areas. In addition, stronger cash-transfer schemes and vocational pathways can make education affordable for poor families.

A National Imperative

Women’s literacy is not a women’s issue alone. It is a national imperative. Educated women strengthen families, boost the economy, and build resilient communities. Pakistan cannot afford to leave millions of girls behind. As Malala Yousafzai said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” For Pakistan, that change begins with educating every daughter.

The author is a freelance columnist.

Gold price jumps to Rs532,062 per tola in Pakistan

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Gold price jumps to Rs532,062 per tola in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (ABC): Gold prices in Pakistan climbed to a new all-time high on Monday, mirroring a strong rally in the international market where bullion crossed $5,000 per ounce for the first time.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the price of 24-karat gold increased by Rs10,900 per tola to reach Rs532,062.

The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also rose sharply by Rs9,345 to settle at Rs456,157. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold increased by Rs8,567 to reach Rs418,159.

International gold market

In the global market, gold prices rose by $109 per ounce to close at $5,097. The rise reflects strong investor demand for safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty and changing currency trends.

Market participants said investors continued to move towards precious metals as global risks remained elevated.

Silver prices also rise

Silver prices in Pakistan followed the upward trend. The price of 24-karat silver increased by Rs627 per tola to reach a record Rs11,428.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat silver rose by Rs537 to Rs9,797.

Drivers behind price surge

Traders said gold and silver prices remained high due to continued purchases by central banks in several countries. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have also supported demand for precious metals.

The sustained rise has pushed gold and silver to their highest levels in both domestic and international markets, affecting jewellery demand while benefiting investors holding bullion.

Domestic Violence Bill 2026 becomes law, finally

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Domestic Violence Bill 2026 becomes law, finally

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (ABC): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, turning it into law despite earlier objections raised by the presidency.

Parliament passed the bill last week during a joint sitting, along with six other bills. The session took place amid opposition protests and sloganeering. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chaired the sitting.

Objections raised during joint sitting

During the joint sitting, lawmakers formally presented the president’s objections to the Domestic Violence Bill. Opposition members urged the House to consider the president’s advice.

Earlier, the president had termed the bill vague. He had also raised concerns over the punishments proposed in the law. He advised parliament to reconsider the bill instead of approving it in its present form.

Definition of domestic violence

Under the new law, domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. The abuse must occur within a domestic relationship and cause fear or physical or psychological harm.

The law applies to women, men, transgender persons, children, and other vulnerable individuals. It covers both current and former domestic relationships within a household.

Relationship with existing criminal law

The legislation states that offences already covered under the Pakistan Penal Code will continue under existing criminal law.

However, acts not addressed by the Penal Code will fall under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act.

Types of abuse covered

Physical abuse includes acts that cause bodily harm. Emotional and psychological abuse covers stalking, harassment, repeated humiliation, threats, false allegations, abandonment, and coercion.

Sexual abuse refers to conduct that violates dignity. Economic abuse includes denying financial resources or restricting access to money or property legally owed to a person.

Courts must examine the full circumstances of each case before deciding whether domestic violence occurred.

Punishment and compensation

For offences not covered by the Penal Code, the law sets prison terms from six months to three years. Courts may also impose a fine of up to Rs100,000.

The law makes victim compensation mandatory. Courts must award at least Rs20,000 to the victim. Those who help or encourage domestic violence face the same punishment as the offender.

Reason for the legislation

The statement of objects and reasons states that domestic violence remains widespread in Pakistan. Official data cited in the bill shows that one in three women faces domestic abuse during her lifetime.

The statement adds that reported cases have increased in the Islamabad Capital Territory. It also refers to concerns raised by the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment over rising complaints in the federal capital.

International commitments

The bill notes that Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. As a result, the country must adopt strong laws to prevent gender-based violence and protect victims.

According to the statement, the law aims to reduce domestic violence in the Islamabad Capital Territory. It seeks to define abuse clearly, provide legal protection, ensure access to remedies, and hold offenders accountable.

SBP keeps policy rate at 10.5pc as growth outlook improves

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SBP keeps policy rate at 10.5pc as growth outlook improves

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (ABC): The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 10.5 percent, citing steady inflation, improving economic growth prospects, and a relatively contained current account deficit.

According to the Monetary Policy Statement issued after the meeting, headline inflation eased to 5.6 percent year-on-year in December 2025, in line with expectations. Meanwhile, core inflation remained elevated at around 7.4 percent in recent months. The committee noted that economic activity was gaining momentum faster than anticipated, mainly due to stronger performance in domestic-oriented sectors.

Inflation trends remain broadly stable

The MPC observed that recent inflation outcomes supported its earlier assessment. Although core inflation stayed relatively high, easing inflation expectations and stable food prices helped keep overall inflation within a manageable range.

Based on these trends, the committee stated that the inflation outlook remained broadly unchanged. However, it cautioned that risks persisted from global commodity prices, domestic wheat prices, and potential adjustments in administered energy tariffs.

Growth momentum strengthens in domestic sectors

Provisional data showed real GDP growth at 3.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of FY26, compared to 1.6 percent in the same period last year. Growth was led by the agriculture and industrial sectors.

In addition, several domestic demand indicators showed strong momentum. These included auto sales, cement dispatches, fertilizer off-take, POL sales excluding furnace oil, and higher imports of machinery and intermediate goods. Large-scale manufacturing expanded by 8.0 percent in October and 10.4 percent in November 2025, lifting cumulative LSM growth to 6.0 percent during July–November FY26.

External account remains contained despite trade gap

The MPC noted that the trade deficit widened due to higher imports and a decline in exports. In particular, food exports, especially rice, recorded a sharp fall. However, high-value-added textile exports remained resilient.

At the same time, strong workers’ remittances and rising ICT services exports helped contain the external imbalance. As a result, the current account posted a deficit of $244 million in December 2025, taking the cumulative deficit to $1.2 billion in the first half of FY26.

The central bank projected the current account deficit to remain between 0 and 1 percent of GDP in FY26.

Foreign exchange reserves exceed targets

SBP’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed the end-December target, reaching $16.1 billion as of January 16. The increase was supported by continued interbank foreign exchange purchases.

Looking ahead, the MPC projected foreign exchange reserves to exceed $18 billion by the end of June 2026, assuming the continuation of current trends in external inflows.

Fiscal pressures persist amid revenue shortfall

In the fiscal sector, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax revenues grew by 9.5 percent in the first half of FY26. This was significantly lower than the 26 percent growth recorded in the same period last year, resulting in a revenue shortfall of Rs329 billion.

Although interest payments declined and overall expenditures remained relatively contained, the MPC cautioned that achieving the annual primary surplus target would be challenging.

Money supply and credit expansion accelerate

The committee reported that broad money growth rose to 16.3 percent by January 9, driven by increased private sector credit and government borrowing. Private sector credit expanded by Rs578 billion during FY26 so far.

Given the improving growth outlook, the MPC projected real GDP growth for FY26 in the range of 3.75 to 4.75 percent. Headline inflation is expected to stabilise within the 5–7 percent target range in FY26 and FY27.

Digitalisation of Pakistan Post to complete in January 2027

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Digitalisation of Pakistan Post to complete in January 2027

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (ABC): Pakistan Post will complete its digitalisation by January 2027 under a major reform plan aimed at modernising postal services and aligning them with international standards.

Automation project launched

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Communications has launched the Automation of Post Office Project. The Export-Import Bank of Korea is financing the project.

The initiative seeks to replace Pakistan Post’s manual systems with a fully digital and integrated platform.

Scope of digital transformation

The documents state that the project includes the supply of modern IT terminals and specialised software. It also covers comprehensive training for postal staff and long-term operational and maintenance support.

Once completed, Pakistan Post will achieve end-to-end digitalisation across all major operations.

Improved services and transparency

A senior Pakistan Post official told Wealth Pakistan that the digital upgrade will strengthen core services. These include mail handling, parcel tracking, financial services and internal administration.

The new system will enable real-time processing. It will also improve efficiency and increase transparency across the postal network.

Reduction in delays and errors

The official said the automation will reduce service delays. It will also minimise manual errors by replacing paper-based procedures with automated workflows.

As a result, customers are expected to receive faster and more reliable services.

Support for e-commerce and inclusion

The digitalisation drive will expand Pakistan Post’s role in e-commerce logistics and financial inclusion. It will also support government-to-citizen services.

The initiative will especially benefit remote and underserved areas where access to digital services remains limited.

Nationwide IT infrastructure upgrade

Under the project, authorities will equip all post offices with modern IT infrastructure. This includes computer terminals, secure connectivity and centralised systems.

These upgrades will allow real-time data sharing and faster transaction processing nationwide.

Restoring public trust

By modernising its operations, Pakistan Post aims to restore public confidence. The organisation also plans to diversify revenue streams and improve service quality.

Officials said the reforms will help reposition Pakistan Post as a reliable national institution. It will also enable the organisation to meet the changing needs of citizens and businesses while operating in line with global postal standards.

11 factories begin production at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park

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11 factories begin production at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park

LAHORE, Jan 26 (ABC): Industrial activity has started at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, as 11 factories have begun production. The development marks a major milestone in Punjab’s industrial growth plan.

More units under construction

Maj (retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman of the Punjab Industrial Development and Management Company, told Wealth Pakistan that work is ongoing on 43 more industrial units. He said some units are under construction, while others are close to completion.

He added that local and foreign investors have committed investments worth Rs174 billion. These investments are expected to materialise in the near term.

Strategic location boosts investor interest

The business park is located near Sheikhupura on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2). The site offers easy access to Lahore and other major cities. This strong connectivity has increased investor interest in the project.

Incentives and labour facilities

The project spreads over 1,860 acres. Out of this, 200 acres are reserved for a labour colony. The colony can house about 30,000 workers.

The government has declared the park a Special Economic Zone. Investors will receive a one-time exemption on customs duty for imported machinery. They will also enjoy a 10-year income tax holiday.

Modern infrastructure and facilities

Officials said the master plan includes modern offices and cluster-based industrial zones. A 200,000-square-foot Center Way Business Square is under construction at the centre of the park.

Authorities also plan to build a dedicated motorway interchange. In addition, the project includes a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant to support environmental compliance.

Job creation and women participation

Javed Iqbal said the project will create around 250,000 jobs. These jobs will include both skilled and unskilled workers. He added that the project aims to increase women’s participation in the industrial workforce.

Garment City to support textile sector

The business park will also feature a Garment City spread over 90,000 square feet. The facility will include multi-storey buildings. These buildings will support manufacturing, storage and business operations in the textile and garment sector.

Dedicated power supply ensured

To ensure uninterrupted electricity, the National Grid Company of Pakistan has energised a dedicated 220-kilovolt grid station in Sheikhupura.

Officials said the grid station cost more than Rs4 billion. It was completed under the Cash Deposit Loan facility. The station will meet the power needs of large industrial units in the zone.

Business community welcomes progress

The business community has welcomed the development. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said several industrial groups are investing due to tax incentives.

He added that the business park will help boost exports, especially in textiles and garments.

China emerges as a global powerhouse in wind energy

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China emerges as a global powerhouse in wind energy

BEIJING, Jan 26 (ABC) : China has firmly established itself as a world leader in wind energy, both in installed capacity and technological innovation, contrary to claims that it manufactures turbines without developing domestic wind farms. Government figures and international reports confirm China’s dominant role in the global renewable energy landscape.

China has maintained the top spot in global installed wind power capacity for 15 consecutive years, reaching 600 million kW by November 2025, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA). In 2024 alone, the country added nearly 80 million kW of new wind capacity, accounting for 72 percent of the global market for new turbines, up from 65 percent in 2023. Wind energy now contributes significantly to China’s electricity supply, with one in every three kilowatt-hours coming from green energy sources.

Over the last decade, China’s wind sector has surged from 130 million kW in 2015 to 600 million kW in 2025, consistently leading the world in annual installations. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the combined share of wind and solar power in total electricity consumption rose from 9.7 percent in 2020 to nearly 25 percent by mid-2025. Large-scale onshore wind bases, expanding offshore projects, technological breakthroughs, and government support have transformed wind power from a supplementary source into a central pillar of China’s energy system.

China’s wind energy industry has extended its influence worldwide. In 2024, the country exported 904 wind turbines totaling 5.194 million kW to 23 nations, a 41.7 percent increase over the previous year. By the end of 2024, China had shipped 5,799 turbines with 20.788 million kW capacity to 57 countries across six continents. These exports have helped reduce 4.1 billion tons of carbon emissions globally during 2021-2025. Chinese companies have also pledged approximately $200 billion in overseas clean energy investments since 2022, helping close funding gaps for global climate action.

China’s leadership in wind energy not only strengthens its domestic energy supply but also offers opportunities for Global South nations to achieve low-carbon development, reinforcing its role as a key driver of global sustainable growth.

Xi charts new course for China’s global diplomacy in 2026

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Xi charts new course for China’s global diplomacy in 2026

BEIJING, Jan 26 (ABC) : Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched an active diplomatic agenda in early 2026, engaging in high-level talks with leaders across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Global South. His efforts have drawn worldwide attention, signaling a renewed chapter in China’s foreign relations amid a complex global environment.

On New Year’s Eve, Xi exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting on 2025 as a milestone year for the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi emphasized continued close cooperation to advance bilateral ties in the new era.

On January 5, Xi met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the first foreign leader to visit China in 2026, highlighting the importance of deepening China-ROK relations. The same day, he welcomed Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, marking Ireland’s first high-level visit to China in 14 years, and stressed expanding strategic communication, mutual trust, and pragmatic cooperation.

In addition, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is scheduled to visit China from January 25-28 to further strengthen bilateral ties. Earlier, Xi also hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years, resulting in eight signed cooperation documents spanning trade, energy, and technology sectors.

Xi’s early-year diplomacy also reinforced China’s ties with the Global South. To commemorate 70 years of China-Africa relations, he sent a congratulatory message for the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. A phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underlined China’s commitment to building strong China-Latin America partnerships.

Xi’s diplomatic engagements have promoted openness, cooperation, and shared development. During visits from foreign leaders, China signed multiple cooperation agreements covering technology, environment, transportation, trade, and investment. Finland and Canada highlighted China as a key trading partner, underscoring the vast opportunities for mutual prosperity within China’s 15th Five-Year Plan framework.

Xi has emphasized the importance of cultural and educational exchanges to strengthen global ties. He announced 2026-2027 as the China-Russia Years of Education and welcomed youth engagement from Ireland, South Korea, and the United States to promote mutual understanding and friendship. Xi’s approach highlights a foreign policy grounded in equality, long-term vision, and cultural inclusiveness.

In his 2026 New Year message, Xi stressed China’s role in advancing world peace, development, and a community with a shared future for humanity, advocating for true multilateralism and international cooperation. He urged nations to respect each other’s development paths and adhere to the UN Charter, emphasizing that confrontation and zero-sum approaches have no place in modern global governance.

By guiding China’s diplomacy with strategic vision and proactive engagement, Xi has set a stable course for international cooperation in 2026, offering opportunities for global progress and mutually beneficial outcomes.

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