Pakistan, China renew commitment to innovation, investment

December 31, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation with a strong focus on innovation, investment and people-centered development.

This took place at a joint seminar organized by the Board of Investment (BOI) in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG) in Islamabad, said a press release issued.

Titled “Driving Innovation, Sharing Prosperity – A New Vision for China–Pakistan Economic Partnership”, the seminar was attended by Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh as Chief Guest, along with senior BOI officials including Additional Secretary Zulfiqar Ali, Additional Secretary Dr. Erfa Iqbal, Director General Abdul Samie and Director General Mehmood Tufail.

The event aimed to strengthen Pakistan–China economic ties, with discussions centered on innovation, investment promotion, future policy coordination and people-centric development under the broader framework of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In his welcome remarks, Director China Media Group Tasawar Zaman thanked BOI for organizing the seminar and said such engagements were vital for opening new avenues of cooperation.

He described CPEC as a game changer for Pakistan and said Pakistan–China relations, rooted in decades of trust, continue to grow stronger.

Speaking at the seminar, Head of China Program IRS Ms. Nabila Jaffer said China’s development journey offers valuable lessons for Pakistan.

She emphasized the importance of technology, innovation and a knowledge-based economy, stressing that development policies must prioritize human development and people-centered governance.

Dr. Noor Fatima highlighted the need for enhancing investor confidence through policy predictability and institutional continuity.

She appreciated the role of BOI and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in promoting investment and said stability sends a positive signal to both local and foreign investors.

President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood praised BOI’s leadership and highlighted ICCI’s role in B2B facilitation, joint ventures, youth engagement, startups and entrepreneurship.

He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to working closely with BOI to strengthen Pakistan–China trade and investment relations.

Executive Director General BOI Dr. Erfa Iqbal informed participants that BOI is actively following up on outcomes of the September Business Conference in China, which saw over 400 private-sector participants and resulted in 167 joint ventures and memoranda of understanding.

She also highlighted the launch of the BOI Business Facilitation Center, regulatory reforms, the Asaan Karobar Act and progress on Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Addressing the seminar, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said he had witnessed China’s development first-hand through years of trade engagement.

He noted that China’s emphasis on human development mirrors ideas promoted by renowned Pakistani economist Dr. Mahbub ul Haq, while adding that Pakistan has historically played an important role in its strategic relationship with China and can learn much from China’s export-led growth and development model.

The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is fully focused on attracting investment, particularly from China.

He highlighted incentives offered under Special Economic Zones, including tax exemptions of up to ten years until 2035 and duty-free import of machinery.

Reaffirming BOI’s commitment, he said the government remains determined to facilitate investors, deepen Pakistan–China economic cooperation and accelerate economic growth.

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