Pakistan and China Launch E-Mining Platform to Attract $10 Billion Investment

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have launched a new Pak-China E-Mining Platform to boost cooperation in the mineral sector and attract more than $10 billion in investment.

The platform was launched during the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said the partnership between Pakistan and China has entered a new phase focused on production, exports, jobs, and sustainable growth.

Partnership Beyond Infrastructure

Addressing the forum, Ahsan Iqbal said the Pakistan-China relationship is no longer limited to roads and power projects.

He said the partnership now aims to strengthen industry, increase exports, and create employment.

The minister highlighted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, calling the relationship a symbol of trust and strategic depth.

CPEC’s Role in Pakistan’s Development

Ahsan Iqbal said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has transformed Pakistan’s development landscape.

He said energy projects, highways, Gwadar Port, and national connectivity under CPEC have laid the foundation for economic growth.

The minister added that CPEC 2.0 aligns fully with Pakistan’s long-term economic plan, Uraan Pakistan.

Linking Uraan Pakistan with China’s Growth Vision

He said Uraan Pakistan aims to build a trillion-dollar economy by 2035.

During a recent visit to China, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to link Pakistan’s Five Es with President Xi Jinping’s Five Growth Corridors.

This alignment will improve coordination in planning, investment, and implementation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Huge Potential in Mineral Sector

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s mineral resources are estimated to be worth $6 trillion.

However, mineral exports currently stand at only $2 billion per year.

He said better governance, modern technology, and global partnerships could raise exports to $6–8 billion annually and create millions of jobs.

Focus on Value Addition and Sustainability

The minister stressed that cooperation with China should go beyond mining.

He called for investment in processing, smelting, refining, and value addition.

Projects such as Saindak, Dodar, and Thar were cited as successful examples of Pak-China cooperation.

He also emphasized sustainable and environmentally friendly mining, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to ensure local communities benefit from development.

Security of Chinese Investments a Priority

Ahsan Iqbal said the protection of Chinese citizens and investments is a top priority for Pakistan.

He said special security measures are being implemented under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The minister urged China to open its large import market to Pakistan.

He said even a small share of China’s $2 trillion annual imports could help Pakistan avoid repeated IMF bailouts.

He added that Pakistan’s exports to China could rise from $3 billion to $50 billion by 2035.

The forum was attended by over 70 Chinese companies, 100 Pakistani companies, and around 800 participants.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in Pakistan’s mining sector.

He stressed the importance of sustainable mining and international standards, noting that the Saindak project alone has trained more than 5,200 local workers.

Officials said the Pak-China E-Mining Platform will improve transparency, efficiency, and coordination in mineral development.

The platform is expected to become a key tool in unlocking Pakistan’s mineral potential and strengthening economic ties with China.