Pakistan, China move to strengthen mineral sector cooperation

January 28, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and China are taking significant steps to deepen economic and investment cooperation, particularly in the mineral and natural resources sectors, as part of efforts to unlock sustainable growth and long-term development.

Enhanced collaboration is expected to leverage Pakistan’s vast untapped mineral potential, including copper, gold, coal, rare earth elements, and other strategic resources, while promoting value addition, responsible resource development, and increased economic benefits.

The partnership aims to open new avenues for investment, generate employment, and strengthen shared prosperity between the two countries.

The Pakistan-China Mineral Cooperation Forum, addressed by Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh as Guest of Honour, brought together Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz.

Mr. Sheikh highlighted that more than 300 Pakistani companies visited China in September 2025, resulting in the signing of 167 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the Pak-China Business-to-Business Conference, with the BOI actively pursuing their implementation to convert commitments into tangible investments, according to a press release issued.

Addressing the forum, Mr. Sheikh described the Pakistan-China relationship as a “time-tested bond of iron friendship,” strengthened through mutual trust, close cooperation, and shared development goals.

He noted that Pakistan can learn from China’s extraordinary development experience and stressed that enhanced cooperation in the mineral sector and other strategic areas would provide long-term economic benefits.

The Federal Minister also emphasized the government’s ongoing initiatives to facilitate investment, including improving the Ease of Doing Business, offering incentives through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), streamlining approval processes, and undertaking regulatory reforms to create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.

He underlined that these measures aim to ensure sustainable and responsible mineral exploration, maximize value addition, and promote economic growth.

Furthermore, Mr. Sheikh reaffirmed the BOI’s commitment to promoting and facilitating foreign investment in Pakistan, particularly from China, to achieve long-term development, shared prosperity, and stronger bilateral cooperation.

Senior government officials, and representatives of Chinese and Pakistani companies, investors, and key stakeholders from the mineral and industrial sectors were also present.

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