ISLAMABAD, June 4: YTO-HRL Logistics, a joint venture between China’s YTO Express and Pakistan’s Habib Rafiq Engineering Pvt Ltd (HRL Group), was formally launched in Islamabad on Thursday, marking a new development in logistics and supply chain cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The launch ceremony, held at Serena Hotel Islamabad, brought together federal ministers, diplomats and business leaders. Officials said the venture aims to strengthen logistics services, support trade connectivity and position Pakistan as a regional gateway linking China, South Asia and Central Asia.
The joint venture evolved from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Beijing last year in the presence of the prime minister and has now become a fully operational logistics company.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Federal Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan attended the event, along with ambassadors and diplomats from several Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Iran.
Joint venture targets logistics and supply chain growth
YTO-HRL Logistics combines YTO Express’s international logistics expertise and technology-driven supply chain systems with HRL Group’s infrastructure network and local market experience.
According to the companies, the venture will provide services in express delivery, warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment, freight management and integrated supply chain solutions.
Officials said the project is expected to introduce advanced logistics technologies, improve operational efficiency and support employment opportunities in the logistics sector.
Focus on regional trade and connectivity
Representatives of the companies said the venture has been designed with a broader regional focus, aiming to improve trade routes connecting China, Pakistan and Central Asian markets.
The presence of ambassadors from multiple Central Asian countries highlighted growing interest in expanding regional transit trade and strengthening access to international markets through Pakistan’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
HRL Group Chairman Zahid Rafiq said the launch reflects long-term cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese partners and represents an investment in logistics infrastructure and economic connectivity.
YTO International Vice President Richard Hu described Pakistan as an important growth market and said the company aims to contribute its global network, technology and operational experience to support trade and supply chain development.
The launch of YTO-HRL Logistics represents one of the latest private-sector collaborations under broader Pakistan-China economic cooperation and reflects increasing interest in regional trade integration.
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