Islamabad: A collaborative effort between the Federal Board of Investment, the government of Sindh, and the Pakistan-China Business and Investment Forum led to the successful organization of the "CPEC Industrial Cooperation B2B Investment Conference."


This conference garnered participation from more than 100 Chinese enterprises spanning various sectors, alongside the attendance of over 400 Pakistani business leaders.


During the proceedings, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Chairman and Minister of State at the Board of Investment, extended a warm welcome to the investors from the Pakistani side. He highlighted the pivotal role of B2B initiatives within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing their role in fostering investments during the second phase of the CPEC.


Further insights into the investment opportunities in Pakistan were provided by the Secretary of the Board of Investment. She highlighted the potential in the Special Economic Zones, which offer compelling incentives to attract foreign investments, notably from China.


The conference also featured addresses by prominent figures and stakeholders associated with the CPEC. Among them were Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment; Fareena Mazhar, Secretary of the Board of Investment; Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, Chief Secretary of the Sindh Government; Khalid Mansoor, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on CPEC Affairs; Jam Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Sindh Minister of Industries, Commerce, and Anti-Corruption Establishment; and Li Bijian, the Consul General of China in Karachi.


The B2B Investment Conference extended its reach to include representation from the private sector and academia. The Industrial Commercial and Cooperation Bank of China (ICBC) elucidated the role of the Pak-China Business and Investment Forum. This forum was inaugurated under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy, All Pakistan Chinese Enterprise Association, and the Board of Investment, with the endorsement of Prime Minister Imran Khan.


A noteworthy achievement of the conference was the signing of a Joint Venture agreement between Pakistan and China for Service Long March Tyre. Facilitated by the Board of Investment, this agreement marks a significant step in bilateral cooperation.


Subsequent to the initial session, specialized B2B meetings were orchestrated across sectors such as Information Technology, Agriculture, Transport, and Urban Development through Public Private Partnerships, Automobiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Special Economic Zones. The Government of Sindh and the Board of Investment collectively presented enticing investment prospects in these domains. Following these presentations, major Chinese and Pakistani companies, including China Machinery (CMEC), China Railways (CREC), China Construction (CCECC), China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC), BYD Autos, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, Cansio Bio, Zong, China Mobile, NORINCO, and Alibaba Global, among others, showcased their contributions.


Throughout the event, fruitful exchanges ensued between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises, as well as with representatives from the Sindh and federal governments. The conference laid the foundation for substantial future joint ventures.


This successful event follows similar initiatives that were previously held in Lahore and Peshawar, reaping significant positive outcomes. With the advent of CPEC phase II, the conference received a warm embrace from the business community, as well as from diplomatic and governmental circles.