Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s mineral exports could reach $6-8 billion annually this decade with value addition. He emphasized moving beyond raw extraction toward processing, refining, and industrial clusters. China’s partnership, he said, is central to achieving this goal.
Addressing the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, Iqbal stressed the need for mineral processing plants, smelters, and refineries. He proposed establishing mineral-based industrial clusters linked with Special Economic Zones to boost industrial growth and export competitiveness.
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Iqbal said strategic partnerships with China would drive technology transfer, innovation, and human capital development. He highlighted joint ventures that serve both domestic needs and regional or global markets. Security of Chinese investments and nationals remains a top priority.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik added that Pakistan is positioning itself as a reliable partner in the global mineral supply chain. He invited Chinese companies and suppliers to engage deeply in Pakistan’s mineral sector for mutually beneficial growth.
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In 2025, Pakistan’s mineral exports to China showed strong growth, especially in copper, aluminium, iron, and manganese. Copper exports exceeded $1.14 billion, aluminium jumped over 4,700%, and other industrial minerals also performed well. These materials support China’s steel, battery, fertiliser, and infrastructure projects.