Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum Convenes in Islamabad to Advance Strategic Collaboration in the Mineral Sector
Islamabad :- Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining sector and in 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 benchmark construction standards in mining projects, noting that these efforts have been acknowledged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy. The Ambassador stressed that consistent cooperation and technological innovation are essential to advance the sector, while responsible mining can enhance resource utilization and foster harmonious relations with local communities. He noted that the Saindak project alone has trained over 5,200 local employees and reiterated China’s commitment to promoting greater local participation and systematic support for enterprises operating in Pakistan. He also highlighted China’s focus on developing “small and beautiful projects,” including infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives, as part of broader development cooperation.
Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, bringing together senior Pakistani leadership, diplomatic representatives, Chinese enterprises, and industry stakeholders to strengthen bilateral cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector and explore new avenues for sustainable development and investment. Organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK) the forum served as a high-level platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, technological collaboration, and business matchmaking across the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, mining, processing, logistics, financing, and capacity building. The Forum was attended by 71 Chinese companies, 133 Pakistani companies, and over 850 participants, reflecting strong interest from both sides in deepening cooperation in the mineral sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives; Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division); and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, along with senior officials from federal and provincial governments, executives of leading Chinese enterprises, and representatives of relevant institutions.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, highlighted the enduring strength of the Pak–China strategic partnership, particularly as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. He noted that cooperation under CPEC has delivered tangible outcomes across Pakistan’s economy, including major advancements in power generation, infrastructure development, and industrial connectivity. Emphasizing China’s global leadership in mining and minerals, particularly in rare earth elements, copper smelting, and refining, he underscored the relevance of China’s experience for Pakistan’s emerging mineral economy. He highlighted successful joint ventures such as the Saindak Copper-Gold Project, Duddar Lead-Zinc Project, and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, while noting growing collaboration in new copper-gold prospects. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy stability, streamlined approvals, and federal–provincial coordination to position Pakistan as a reliable long-term partner in the global mineral supply chain, and formally invited Chinese companies to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Wang Huihua, the Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK) emphasized that the Forum reflects the evolving phase of Pak–China economic cooperation, with mining and minerals emerging as a new pillar of engagement. He noted that 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.
Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division), highlighted Pakistan’s policy direction toward responsible and value-added mineral development. He underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve oversight, and encourage sustainable mining practices aligned with international standards, particularly in the context of rising global demand for critical minerals linked to the energy transition.
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, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan–China investment cooperation, particularly at the private-sector level. He noted that China’s remarkable development over the past decades offers valuable lessons and emphasized Pakistan’s vast mineral potential. He shared that hundreds of Pakistani private companies have engaged with Chinese counterparts, resulting in MoUs and growing B2B collaboration, and appreciated CCCPK’s role in facilitating these engagements. He reaffirmed BOI’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 (MoUs), reflecting growing confidence and commitment toward bilateral industrial and mineral cooperation. Among these was a Memorandum of Understanding 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, an MoU for cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector was signed among the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), 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 collaboration opportunities. 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 deepening cooperation in the mineral sector through policy alignment, investment facilitation, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
