Islamabad (GNP): The Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF) marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at an event attended by about 150 guests, including government representatives, Chinese diplomats and business leaders. The gathering aimed to strengthen bilateral economic ties and encourage investment-led industrial development. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan was chief guest.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan and China share a long friendship built on trust, respect and common interests. The next stage of cooperation, he said, must turn that history into concrete results through industrial investment, technology transfer, manufacturing and higher exports.
He said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision is to convert Pakistan’s economic potential into sustainable industrial growth, productive jobs and stronger exports, and that the government is committed to helping Chinese investors and strengthening business-to-business ties so that interest becomes viable projects.
He described the Ministry of Industries and Production’s role in working with other ministries, institutions and the Chinese Embassy to host visiting Chinese business delegations. This includes arranging meetings with potential Pakistani partners and providing logistical and institutional support in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
A key moment of the event was the signing of an MoU between Gu Go Motors and Shengtang Group on a proposed joint venture to build electric buses in Pakistan. The project aims to promote technology transfer, build local manufacturing capacity and explore making export-ready vehicles under the “Made in Pakistan” label.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said electric mobility gives Pakistan a chance to widen its manufacturing base, develop local supply chains and strengthen its position in new automotive technologies. Working with Chinese firms, he said, could help the country move into higher-value production and create jobs for skilled workers and young people.
He also pointed to the government’s commitment to facilitating investment in Special Economic Zones, promoting technology transfer, offering applicable incentives and improving the business environment. Predictable policies, streamlined regulations and effective coordination between institutions, he said, are essential for attracting long-term productive investment.
A 14-member Chinese business delegation, led by Wei Linzhuo, President of the PCBF Beijing Office, attended. The PCBF organised the event through its Islamabad Chapter, headed by Co-Chairman Sheikh Ejaz. The delegation is on an 11-day mission covering Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
It is looking at partnerships in electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, charging infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, trade centres, China Pavilions, electrical appliances, building materials, mineral equipment and pharmaceuticals.
In his welcome remarks, Sheikh Ejaz described the Forum’s role in linking Pakistani and Chinese companies and facilitating commercially viable joint ventures, noting that its 20 offices in Chinese cities give access to wide business and investor networks.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said he is keen to see more direct engagement between Chinese investors and Pakistani businesses to find new openings for trade and investment.
Representatives of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Board of Investment (BOI) and other ministries and institutions also attended. The evening included a cake-cutting ceremony, the MoU signing and networking sessions.
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The Ministry of Industries and Production reiterated its aim of moving discussions toward implementable projects that bring investment, boost local manufacturing, transfer technology and create lasting employment. More business meetings are planned during the delegation’s stay to advance potential partnerships.
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.
