A high-level Chinese delegation has expressed significant interest in pursuing long-term investments in Pakistan’s mineral sector, specifically targeting copper and other strategic resources, during a pivotal meeting with the Federal Minister for Board of Investment today.
The discussions also introduced a long-term vision to establish the nation”s first internationally stock-listed mining company, aiming to place Pakistan”s mineral wealth on the global investment stage.
Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, met with representatives from Silkway Impex Pvt. Ltd. and a Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) delegation. The Chinese contingent was headed by Deng Yubin, the Head of BRI for Yunnan Province.
Mr. Sheikh welcomed the visitors, underscoring the enduring economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. He identified minerals and mining as a priority sector for Pakistan, alongside agriculture, digitalisation, technology, and manufacturing, referencing a recent Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum as a foundation for enhanced collaboration.
The minister conveyed Pakistan”s objective to create integrated mineral value chains, encompassing everything from exploration and processing to downstream industrial applications, leveraging the country”s abundant natural resources.
Dr. Erfa Iqbal, Additional Secretary at the Board of Investment (BOI), described the BRI as a “game changer” for the region. She briefed the delegation on Pakistan”s favourable investment climate, including incentives offered through Special Technology Zones (STZs) for tech-focused industries and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for manufacturing ventures.
Dr. Iqbal affirmed that the BOI is prepared to connect prospective investors with the necessary federal and provincial bodies to ensure smooth and effective facilitation for their projects.
Regarding agriculture, she highlighted that Pakistan is seeking investment to improve crop yields, enhance quality, and introduce modern technology. It was noted that several Chinese firms are already engaged in projects to cultivate previously barren lands, including in areas like Cholistan.
Representing Silkway Impex, Managing Directors Raja Taimur Rehman, Selman Pataudi, and Raja Hashim Rehman outlined their organisation”s function as a structured platform that connects international partners with Pakistani public and private sector entities in a compliant, institutionally aligned framework.
Professor Haitao Yuan, Chief Geologist for Silkway Impex, detailed the ambitious vision for the mineral sector. He stressed the need for strong geological groundwork, transparency, modern exploration methods, and adherence to international compliance and capital-market discipline to attract global investment.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Minister Sheikh assured the delegation of the BOI”s full support and assistance for any investment ventures they choose to pursue in the country.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain dialogue and coordination to develop investment initiatives under the BRI framework, aiming to further cement Pakistan-China economic ties.