Copyright pakistantoday
ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan have moved to expand industrial cooperation under the “Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China–Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025–2029),” with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen manufacturing and investment partnerships under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A 15-member Chinese delegation, led by the Organising Committee of the China–Pakistan Safety Production Equipment Procurement Demand Matching Conference, visited the Board of Investment’s Project Management Unit for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Islamabad to explore new industrial ventures. The meeting, chaired by BOI PMU (SEZ) Director General Farah Farooq, focused on strengthening collaboration between Chinese enterprises, Pakistani ministries, and local business communities to advance industrialisation and create employment opportunities. Officials briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s investment landscape, incentives, and facilitation mechanisms available to investors in SEZs. They also shared details of operational and upcoming industrial zones, outlining prospects for joint ventures, industrial relocation, and technology partnerships. According to an official statement, the Chinese side expressed strong interest in establishing new manufacturing facilities and enhancing cooperation in energy, mining, and export-oriented sectors. The meeting concluded with an exchange of Memoranda of Understanding and proposals for joint ventures, reaffirming both sides’ resolve to turn dialogue into actionable outcomes. China has pledged continued support for enterprises investing in Pakistan’s SEZs, particularly in Karachi and Islamabad, through preferential policies and an improved business environment. The five-year action plan also encourages third-party participation in CPEC projects, experience-sharing in industrial development, and closer collaboration in mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing — aimed at positioning Pakistan as a key regional industrial hub.
