The Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum was held today at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, bringing together senior Pakistani leadership, diplomatic representatives, Chinese enterprises, and industry stakeholders.
The forum was attended by 71 Chinese companies, 133 Pakistani companies, and more than 850 participants, reflecting strong interest from both sides in deepening cooperation in the mineral sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Wang Huihua, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), said the forum reflects the evolving phase of Pakistan–China economic cooperation, with mining and minerals emerging as a new pillar of engagement. He said CCCPK remains committed to facilitating structured dialogue, promoting responsible investment, and strengthening linkages between Chinese and Pakistani enterprises to support long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives; Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan; Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division); and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment. Senior officials from federal and provincial governments, executives of leading Chinese enterprises, and representatives of relevant institutions were also present.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the enduring strength of the Pakistan–China strategic partnership, particularly as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. He said cooperation under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor has delivered tangible outcomes across Pakistan’s economy, including major advancements in power generation, infrastructure development, and industrial connectivity.
He emphasized the strategic potential of Pakistan’s mineral resources, estimated at $6 trillion, and stressed the need to move beyond raw extraction toward value-added processing and industrial clusters. Highlighting China’s central role, he called for joint ventures that promote technology transfer, employment generation, and export growth while ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to secure and well-governed investment and a shared vision of transforming mineral wealth into industrial strength and shared prosperity.
Delivering the keynote address, Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining sector and supporting capacity building and technological advancement. He emphasized China’s role as an active contributor to global economic development and highlighted the importance of sustainability and international construction standards in mining projects, noting that these efforts have been acknowledged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy.
He said consistent cooperation and technological innovation are essential for sectoral growth, while responsible mining can improve resource utilization and strengthen relations with local communities. He noted that the Saindak project alone has trained more than 5,200 local employees and reiterated China’s commitment to increasing local participation and providing systematic support to enterprises operating in Pakistan. He also highlighted China’s focus on developing “small and beautiful projects,” including initiatives in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as part of broader development cooperation.
Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to responsible and value-added mineral development, emphasizing strengthened regulations, sustainable mining practices, and alignment with international standards amid rising global demand for critical minerals. He underscored China’s expertise in mining and refining, citing successful joint ventures such as Saindak, Duddar, and Sindh Engro, and noted expanding collaboration on new copper-gold projects.
He reaffirmed policy stability, streamlined approvals, and federal–provincial coordination, invited Chinese companies to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, and positioned Pakistan as a reliable long-term partner in the global mineral supply chain.
Wang Jicheng, Chairman of MCC, shared insights from Chinese mining operations in Pakistan, highlighting the role of technology transfer, workforce training, and adherence to best practices. He reaffirmed MCC’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s mineral sector and its focus on expanding cooperation in exploration, mining, and downstream development while contributing to local employment and skills enhancement.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan–China investment cooperation, particularly at the private-sector level. He said China’s development over recent decades offers valuable lessons and emphasized Pakistan’s vast mineral potential. He noted that hundreds of Pakistani private companies have engaged with Chinese counterparts, resulting in memoranda of understanding and expanding business-to-business collaboration, and appreciated CCCPK’s role in facilitating these engagements. He reaffirmed the Board of Investment’s commitment to supporting investors and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mineral sector.
A major milestone of the forum was the launch of the Pak–China E-Mining Platform, a digital initiative aimed at improving information sharing, project connectivity, and cooperation between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises. The platform is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and collaboration in mineral sector development.
The forum also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding, reflecting growing confidence and commitment toward bilateral industrial and mineral cooperation. These included a memorandum titled “A Framework for Cooperation to Explore Opportunities in Digital Cross-Border Industrial Trade,” signed between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited and MCCT International, as well as between JW Corporation and MCCT International.
In addition, a memorandum for cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector 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 initiatives.
The second session of the forum focused on policy frameworks and sectoral briefings, featuring presentations by federal and provincial representatives on mining policies, regulatory incentives, and mineral resource potential across Pakistan. Technical presentations by Chinese institutions and enterprises highlighted geological cooperation and key mining projects, outlining future opportunities for collaboration. The forum concluded with business matchmaking sessions and a stall exhibition, enabling direct engagement between Pakistani and Chinese companies, project showcasing, and discussions on potential partnerships and investment opportunities.
The Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, underscoring the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in the mineral sector through policy alignment, investment facilitation, technological innovation, and sustainable development.