Pakistan-China deal eyes bigger slice of global footwear trade

August 07, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and China moved to deepen industrial cooperation as Forward Sports and Zhongzi Huaxin Group signed a technical and investment cooperation agreement for the joint production of world-class sports footwear in Pakistan.

The agreement is expected to support technology transfer, industrial development, employment generation, and export diversification, positioning Pakistan to capture a larger share of the growing global footwear market, said a press release issued.

The signing ceremony was held at the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and was attended by the Minister for Defence, the Director General of SIFC, the Chairman of the Pakistan Regional Economic Forum, and the Chief Executives of both Forward Sports and Zhongzi Huaxin Group.

Forward Sports is Pakistan's leading sports goods manufacturer, best known for producing footballs used at the FIFA World Cup, alongside sports bags, apparel, and lifestyle footwear.

Zhongzi Huaxin Group is a diversified Chinese investment and asset management group with expertise in industrial development, footwear and apparel parks, and regional economic cooperation.

The partnership brings together Pakistan's manufacturing strength with Chinese capital and expertise, laying the groundwork for a stronger footwear export base in the country.

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