ISLAMABAD, October 19, 2026: Pakistan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have discussed expanding cooperation in renewable energy, technology transfer and industrial development, with a focus on strengthening local manufacturing, improving productivity and creating employment opportunities.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Adviser to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and a UNIDO delegation in Islamabad on Monday. Both sides explored opportunities for technical cooperation, investment facilitation and climate-resilient industrial development as Pakistan seeks to build a more competitive, export-oriented economy.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industries and Production, the meeting covered industrial competitiveness, sustainable energy, climate change, technological advancement and measures to improve manufacturing productivity.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan’s industrial development strategy was aimed at strengthening domestic production, expanding exports and reducing dependence on imports.
He referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of developing a sustainable industrial economy supported by modern technology, investment and greater economic self-reliance.
The adviser said Pakistan’s large youth population offered considerable economic potential, but industrial expansion was essential to creating jobs and ensuring sustainable growth.
Pakistan’s National Industrial Policy focuses on exports and local manufacturing
Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government had formulated Pakistan’s first National Industrial Policy to provide a strategic direction for industrial development, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s manufacturing base.
He stressed that reducing the trade deficit required greater export competitiveness alongside import substitution and the expansion of local industries.
The adviser identified agriculture, minerals and value-added manufacturing as sectors with significant potential for industrial growth.
He said Pakistan needed to make better use of its natural resources by developing domestic processing facilities and strengthening supply chains.
Citing examples ranging from olive oil production to gemstone processing, he said local value addition could help generate employment, improve industrial competitiveness and increase economic returns.
Solar energy, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing discussed
Renewable energy and cleaner transportation were among the major areas considered for potential cooperation with UNIDO.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted the government’s New Energy Vehicle Policy and ongoing efforts to encourage electric vehicle adoption and expand charging infrastructure across Pakistan.
He also discussed the proposed Battery Energy Storage System Policy, which he said could support domestic manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries and strengthen the country’s industrial capabilities.
The adviser noted that expanding solar energy use had created opportunities for rural communities and agricultural businesses.
He said international technical cooperation could help Pakistan develop renewable energy infrastructure, adopt modern production technologies and strengthen local manufacturing.
Climate change poses challenges to industrial and agricultural output
The adviser also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on Pakistan’s agriculture and industrial production.
He said climate-related challenges made it necessary to promote sustainable energy solutions, improve industrial resilience and expand international cooperation.
Haroon Akhtar Khan identified renewable energy, climate-resilient manufacturing, technology transfer and capacity building as areas where UNIDO could support Pakistan’s industrial development priorities.
He said partnerships with international organisations could help domestic industries adopt modern technologies, improve production efficiency and attract investment.
UNIDO delegation expresses interest in practical projects
The UNIDO delegation welcomed opportunities for closer cooperation with Pakistan and highlighted the importance of exchanging technical expertise, skills and industrial best practices.
According to the ministry, the delegation identified renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a promising area for future collaboration.
Its representatives also discussed the need to improve renewable energy infrastructure, strengthen industrial value chains and increase productivity through technological innovation.
The delegation expressed interest in exploring practical projects in Pakistan involving industrial development, technology transfer and productivity enhancement.
Both sides highlighted the potential for international cooperation to support investment, local manufacturing and employment generation.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on identifying opportunities for further engagement between Pakistan and UNIDO in sustainable industrial development, renewable energy and industrial competitiveness.
The ministry’s statement did not announce any signed agreement, specific project funding or implementation timeline.