Federal ministers on Wednesday termed the upcoming Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) and Investment Conference a landmark initiative aimed at attracting foreign investment, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, and accelerating Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy.
Addressing a joint press conference, Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said the two-day conference, scheduled for July 17-18, will bring together around 500 Chinese investors and Pakistani businesses to explore investment opportunities, particularly in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the conference would serve as a milestone in strengthening Pakistan-China economic ties and expanding the country’s manufacturing base to support sustainable export growth.
“The primary focus of the conference is to attract investment in pharmaceuticals and other high-potential sectors of the economy. Manufacturing-led growth remains the government’s top priority, alongside the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” he said.
The minister said the government is implementing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of promoting industrial and agricultural development through manufacturing and SMEs, adding that financial support and liquidity facilities are being extended to the sector to encourage business expansion and job creation.
Highlighting improvements in the country’s economic indicators, Sheikh said Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have increased to $18 billion, compared to around $4 billion when the current government assumed office.
He added that the government, through the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), is providing incentives and facilitation to both local and foreign investors, including access to land in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at competitive rates.
He noted that several investment agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have already been signed to promote foreign direct investment.
Speaking at the press conference, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said the Pakistan-China B2B and Investment Conference would act as a catalyst for expanding manufacturing capacity and increasing exports.
He revealed that seven international companies are ready to establish manufacturing operations in Pakistan, including vaccine production facilities, describing it as a historic development for the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
Haroon Akhtar said Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regional peace would help create a conducive environment for economic growth and investment.
He further said the participation of approximately 500 Chinese investors is expected to result in business agreements and MoUs with Pakistani companies, enhancing industrial competitiveness and opening new avenues for bilateral trade.
The SAPM added that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are working with us jointly to promote investment and support the country’s export-led economic agenda.
The Pakistan-China Business-to-Business and Investment Conference is expected to provide a major platform for fostering strategic partnerships, encouraging technology transfer, and attracting investment across key sectors of Pakistan’s economy.