Islamabad: Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum of Pakistan, addressed the China (Shaanxi)-Pakistan Conference for Economic and Trade Cooperation today at the 8th Silk Road International Expo in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. Dr. Malik emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and invited Chinese investment in Pakistan’s energy and petroleum sectors.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik expressed gratitude towards the Government of China and the Provincial Government of Shaanxi for their partnership and organizational efforts regarding the conference. He also appreciated the invitation to Pakistan as the Guest Country of Honor and their role in facilitating the Pakistan Pavilion at the expo. The Minister underscored the historical significance of Xi’an and Shaanxi province as the starting points of the ancient Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), initiated by President Xi Jinping.

Dr. Malik highlighted the ongoing and strengthening partnership between Pakistan and China, stressing the importance of economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is pivotal to Pakistan’s growth strategy. He invited companies, particularly those from Shaanxi, to engage in Pakistan’s energy sector, including opportunities in upstream, mid-stream, and downstream petroleum, as well as coal enterprises, through investments, joint ventures, and technology transfers.

The Minister emphasized the need to deepen provincial-level cooperation to enhance business-to-business linkages across various sectors, including mining, petroleum, energy, and technology. The 8th Silk Road International Expo, he noted, was a celebration of both trade and the cooperative spirit that defines the China-Pakistan relationship. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to shared growth, sustainable development, and strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.