ISLAMABAD, Jan 28: Pakistan and China have launched the “Pak–China E-Mining Platform,” a digital initiative designed to enhance information sharing, project connectivity, and cooperation between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises.
The platform aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and collaboration in developing Pakistan’s mineral sector.
The launch occurred during the Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum, organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan.
The event gathered senior Pakistani leaders, diplomatic representatives, Chinese enterprises, and industry stakeholders to boost bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development and investment in the mineral sector.
The forum provided a high-level platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, technological collaboration, and business matchmaking across the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, mining, processing, logistics, financing, and capacity building.
Over 70 Chinese companies, more than 100 Pakistani companies, and around 800 participants attended, demonstrating strong interest from both sides in deepening cooperation in the mineral sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal; Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong; Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik; and Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, along with senior federal and provincial officials, executives of leading Chinese enterprises, and representatives of relevant institutions.
In his keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining sector and supporting capacity-building and technological advancement.
He emphasized the importance of sustainability and international construction standards in mining projects, noting these efforts were acknowledged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy.
He stated responsible mining could enhance resource utilization and promote harmonious relations with local communities, citing the Saindak project as an example, which had trained over 5,200 local employees.
The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to increasing local participation and providing systematic support to enterprises operating in Pakistan.
He also highlighted China’s focus on “small and beautiful projects” in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare as part of broader development cooperation.
Wang Huihua, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, stated that the forum reflects the evolving phase of Pakistan-China economic cooperation, with mining and minerals emerging as a new pillar of engagement.
He affirmed the chamber’s commitment to facilitating structured dialogue, promoting responsible investment, and strengthening linkages between Chinese and Pakistani enterprises.
Wang Jicheng, Chairman of Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), shared insights from Chinese mining operations in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer, workforce training, and adherence to best practices. He reaffirmed MCC’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s mineral sector.
A major highlight of the forum was the launch of the Pak–China E-Mining Platform.
The forum also saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), reflecting growing confidence in bilateral cooperation in the industrial and mineral sectors.
An MoU titled “A Framework for Cooperation to Explore Opportunities in Digital Cross-Border Industrial Trade” was signed between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited and MCCT International, as well as between JW Corporation and MCCT International. Another MoU was signed among the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, Power China International, and Pak-China Investment Company Limited to cooperate in Pakistan’s mineral sector, focusing on investment facilitation, technical cooperation, and joint development initiatives.
The second session of the forum focused on policy frameworks and sectoral briefings, featuring presentations by federal and provincial representatives on mining policies, regulatory incentives, and mineral resource potential. Technical presentations by Chinese institutions and enterprises highlighted geological cooperation and key mining projects.
The forum concluded with business matchmaking sessions and a stall exhibition, enabling direct engagement between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
The Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in the mineral sector through policy alignment, investment facilitation, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
