Islamabad: In a move signaling robust international cooperation, Denmark’s FL Smidth has announced plans to broaden its operations into the mining sector of Pakistan. The expansion is part of a broader commitment by Denmark to contribute to Pakistan’s mining industry modernization efforts. The announcement was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Ministers, including Dr. Musadik Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb, and a delegation from FL Smidth, led by CEO Mikko Keto. The meeting was also attended by the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Jakob Linulf.
According to Press Information Department, the delegation discussed various aspects of the partnership, highlighting FL Smidth’s longstanding involvement in Pakistan’s cement industry and its plans to replicate its success in the mining sector. FL Smidth, a global leader in technology and services for the mining and cement industries, has been operational in Pakistan for over three decades, primarily focusing on the cement sector where it has supplied 60-70% of the country’s cement plants.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing the mining sector, noting that the partnership would extend beyond investment to include technology diffusion, training, and capacity building. Malik also mentioned the creation of small industrial clusters to boost competitiveness and self-sufficiency in the industry.
Ambassador Linulf reiterated Denmark’s high regard for its relationship with Pakistan, a sentiment underscored by the recent celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed Denmark’s eagerness to elevate the partnership to new heights, particularly in the mining sector.
CEO Mikko Keto expressed gratitude for the warm reception and detailed FL Smidth’s successful mining collaborations worldwide, which he is optimistic about replicating in Pakistan. Other Pakistani officials, including Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, voiced their support for the initiative, acknowledging the potential economic benefits and the strengthening of bilateral ties.
The meeting also touched on the ongoing collaborations between FL Smidth and local industries, including a significant partnership with a major local foundry for the manufacture and supply of wear parts both domestically and for export.
This strategic expansion by FL Smidth is viewed as a promising development for Pakistan’s mining industry, potentially leading to more advanced technology and increased foreign investment in the sector.