LAHORE
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said on Saturday that Pakistan-China friendship has entered a new era of economic partnership and cooperation, emphasizing that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is steadily moving toward economic stability and industrial development.
He expressed these views while delivering the welcome address at the Pakistan-China Business-to-Business Conference held at a local hotel. The conference was attended by 106 representatives from 74 Chinese companies, representatives of 136 Pakistani companies, and 252 business delegates, along with investors, industrialists, and members of the business community from both countries.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said that Pakistan-China relations are based on trust, consistency, and a shared vision, adding that business-to-business engagements between the two countries are opening new economic avenues. He noted that the positive outcomes of the Prime Minister’s visit to China last year are now beginning to materialize, while the confidence of Chinese investors in Pakistan continues to strengthen.
He stated that Pakistan is emerging as a promising destination for investment and that the government is taking practical steps to promote industrial growth, enhance exports, and facilitate businesses. He further said that large-scale reforms are underway to revive industry and boost exports, including the implementation of the National Industrial Policy and National Tariff Policy to reduce the cost of doing business.
The SAPM highlighted that unnecessary regulatory barriers are being removed under the Regulatory Guillotine initiative to transform Pakistan into a minimally regulated and business-friendly economy. He informed participants that special committees have been established to ensure implementation and follow-up of every Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Joint Venture (JV), reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing facilitation, confidence, and expansion opportunities to investors.
Haroon Akhtar Khan described Pakistan-China economic cooperation as a major source of development and prosperity for both countries and stressed the need to further expand this partnership. He invited Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors, stating that joint ventures in these areas would be mutually beneficial.
He termed the conference an important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations, adding that it was not merely a conference but a defining moment for shaping the future of Pakistan-China cooperation. He said the strong participation reflected growing global confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction.
The SAPM further remarked that the next phase of Pakistan-China cooperation would focus on industrial depth and technological integration. Paying tribute to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said the government had stabilized the economy, restored investor confidence, and strengthened Pakistan’s credibility globally through consistent and effective policies.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that industrial revival is a cornerstone of the government’s economic policy and that Pakistan aims to become not only a consumer market but also a manufacturing and technology partner. He identified home appliances, electrical devices, and battery storage systems as key sectors of the future, adding that Pakistan’s young workforce and strategic geographical location offer excellent investment opportunities.
He said the world is rapidly moving toward electrification and clean energy, and with Chinese cooperation, Pakistan can become a regional hub for battery manufacturing and energy storage. He added that Pakistan is ready to become an active partner in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery technologies.
Inviting global investors to join Pakistan in building a prosperous future, he stated that joint ventures, technology transfer, and collaborative manufacturing are the way forward. “Pakistan is ready to build, innovate, compete, and lead. Our doors are open, our direction is clear, and our commitment is strong,” he remarked.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan is promoting dialogue and cooperation while playing the role of a responsible state.
In the coference, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, Khail Hashmi, Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, SMEDA CEO Nadia J. SETH, Engineering Development Board CEO Hammad Mansoor, PIDC CEO Rizwan Bhatti and other officials were also present.=DNA
================
