Islamabad: The Pakistan-China Industrialisation Dialogue convened in Islamabad, where Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the significance of business-to-business (B2B) partnerships and export-led growth as part of the evolving China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) strategy.
According to Press Information Department, the dialogue brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and development experts to chart the future of industrial collaboration between Pakistan and China. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, opening the session, highlighted the importance of the CPEC’s transition from infrastructure development to a focus on industrialisation, underlining the role of B2B collaboration in this phase.
Minister Sheikh, addressing the gathering, described the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China and outlined CPEC’s transformation since its inception in 2015 as a $46 billion initiative. He noted the completion of key infrastructure projects under Phase I, including the addition of over 8,000 MW to Pakistan’s electricity grid and the construction of extensive road networks, setting the stage for industrial expansion.
The Minister stressed the importance of shifting Pakistan’s economic model towards producing and exporting value-added goods, drawing lessons from China’s experience in rural development and industrialisation. He also highlighted government incentives within Special Economic Zones to attract investment and the ongoing efforts to relocate Chinese industries to Pakistan.
Sheikh shared insights from his recent visit to the United Kingdom, noting increased interest among overseas Pakistanis and international investors in Pakistan’s emerging economic landscape. He also discussed regulatory reforms being undertaken to facilitate investors and improve the business environment.
The dialogue featured contributions from other officials, including Minister of State Dr. Shezra Mansab, who addressed climate considerations in industrial cooperation, and Chinese Counsellor Yang Guangyuan, who underscored the potential for bilateral collaboration in sectors such as agriculture and information technology.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, underlining the shared goal of fostering industrial cooperation and economic growth through CPEC Phase II. The Board of Investment reiterated its commitment to supporting sustainable industrial development in Pakistan.