Islamabad — Pakistan and China on Wednesday launched the Pak-China E-Mining Platform and signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector, with a focus on moving beyond raw extraction toward value-added processing and industrial integration.
The announcements were made at the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their strategic partnership in developing Pakistan’s mineral resources. The initiative is intended to improve digital coordination, information sharing, and transparency between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises, as part of broader efforts to attract long-term investment in the sector.
The forum, organised by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, brought together Pakistani ministers, diplomats, Chinese companies and local industry stakeholders. According to the petroleum division, more than 800 participants attended, including representatives from over 70 Chinese firms and more than 100 Pakistani companies.
MoUs signed for investment and digital trade
Several agreements were signed during the event, including MoUs on digital cross-border industrial trade between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited and MCCT International, and between JW Corporation and MCCT International. Another agreement was signed among the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, POWERCHINA International, and Pak China Investment Company Limited, focusing on investment facilitation, technical cooperation and joint development in the mineral sector.
Pakistan, China move CPEC into new phase with focus on mineral development
Officials said the agreements are designed to support exploration, processing, refining and industrial development, with the aim of unlocking Pakistan’s estimated mineral potential through integrated value chains rather than export of raw materials.
Officials highlight value-added development
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who also serves as Pakistan’s focal person for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said Pakistan was seeking strategic partners to develop its mineral sector in the same way CPEC cooperation had supported power generation, infrastructure and industrial connectivity.
He said Chinese companies bring experience across the mining value chain, including geological surveying, modern extraction techniques, mineral processing, smelting and refining, and that Pakistan aims to link mineral-based industries with special economic zones and transport corridors.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said China remained interested in investing in Pakistan’s mining sector and supporting capacity building and technological advancement, while stressing the importance of sustainability and internationally recognised construction standards.
Policy assurances and future outlook
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan’s policy direction was focused on responsible and value-added mineral development. He assured investors of policy stability, streamlined approvals and improved coordination between federal and provincial governments, and invited Chinese companies to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum later this year.
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