Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met with a senior delegation from Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS), led by Chairman Xu Xiang and Country Director Wang Zhenrong, along with representatives from Tabani Group, Islamabad. The meeting took place alongside the ongoing Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference focused on the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors, with senior BOI officials also in attendance.
The delegation thanked the minister for making time to meet amid the ongoing bilateral investment discussions, and Sheikh welcomed them warmly, expressing appreciation for their visit to Pakistan.
Discussion on Bilateral Ties
Sheikh spoke about his long-standing relationships with Chinese business leaders and acknowledged Tabani Group’s role in facilitating business connections between the two countries. He emphasized the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and the growing scope for economic cooperation amid shifting regional dynamics.
SDHS Global Portfolio and Pakistan Presence
The SDHS delegation briefed the minister on the company’s global operations, noting that as one of China’s major state-owned infrastructure and investment firms, the group manages assets exceeding RMB 1 trillion across more than 100 countries. Its transportation network includes over 10,000 kilometers of expressways and roughly 3,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, with significant investments in infrastructure, energy, logistics, and industrial development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation also discussed their existing work in Pakistan, particularly a recent oil and gas project in Hyderabad carried out in collaboration with OGDC, and expressed interest in expanding into Pakistan’s broader infrastructure sector, including transport, logistics, and connectivity projects.
Minister Highlights Investment Potential
Sheikh described the current moment as an especially favorable time to invest in Pakistan, pointing to the country’s young population, economic potential, and improving business climate. He highlighted the strategic value of infrastructure development, particularly ports, road networks, and connectivity routes linking China and Central Asia.
Drawing on his own business background, Sheikh said joint ventures between Pakistani and Chinese firms represent an effective model for sustainable, mutually beneficial growth. He also noted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s strong commitment to attracting foreign investment and deepening economic ties with China.
He added that the Board of Investment worked closely with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to organize the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference, aimed at promoting sector-specific partnerships and investment opportunities.
Government’s Commitment to Facilitation
Sheikh assured the delegation that the Board of Investment, together with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), would provide full support to investors throughout the process, reaffirming that Pakistan offers a favorable environment for foreign investment backed by policy reform and institutional support.
In turn, the delegation invited the minister to visit China to see Shandong Hi-Speed Group’s ongoing projects firsthand, as a step toward further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
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The Board of Investment reaffirmed its continued commitment to facilitating foreign investment and building long-term economic partnerships to support sustainable growth in Pakistan.
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.
