ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have launched the e-Mining Platform to attract at least $10 billion in foreign investment in the mining sector. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal disclosed this today.
He also stated that the partnership between Pakistan and China has entered a new era that prioritises production, exports, employment, and sustainable development beyond infrastructure.
Speaking at the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum, the Minister noted that both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations, therefore strengthening a relationship built on continuity, trust, and strategic depth.
CPEC and Digital Cooperation Drive Economic Transformation
He stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor transformed Pakistan’s development landscape through energy projects, road networks, Gwadar Port, and improved national connectivity.
Moreover, Pakistan and China launched the Pak-China E-Mining Platform to enhance information sharing, improve project connectivity, and deepen cooperation between authorities and enterprises. The platform aims to unlock more than $10 billion in new investment for Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Iqbal said CPEC 2.0 aligns with the national framework Uraan Pakistan, which targets a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. During a recent visit to China, both sides signed an MoU linking Uraan Pakistan’s Five Es with President Xi Jinping’s Five Growth Corridors. Consequently, this alignment will improve planning, investment coordination, and implementation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mineral Sector Seen as Key to Exports and Jobs
He highlighted that Pakistan’s mineral resources hold an estimated value of $6 trillion, yet annual exports remain near $2 billion.
However, better governance, modern technology and international partnerships could raise exports to $6–8 billion and create millions of jobs. He urged expansion of cooperation into value addition, processing, smelting and refining, citing projects such as Saindak, Dodar and Thar as successful models.
He emphasised sustainable mining, environmental responsibility and regional inclusion to ensure communities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa benefit through jobs, education and healthcare. He reaffirmed that protecting Chinese citizens and investments remains a top priority under the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of China Mr Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed strong interest in Pakistan’s mining sector. He appreciated the E-Mining Platform’s launch, saying it would attract more foreign investment in Pakistan.
