Pakistan seeks investment from China and the UK.

Pakistan is stepping up efforts to attract foreign investment by engaging with China and the United Kingdom, with discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening long term partnerships.

 

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and shared that Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth more than $20 billion have been signed between Pakistani and Chinese entities, with several already progressing into formal agreements.

 

Hashmi noted increasing interest from Chinese private companies in sectors including manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, textiles, and industrial services. He added that nine agreements have recently been finalized in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, while over 150 Chinese firms are being engaged through the embassy's investment facilitation platform.

 

The meeting also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in capital markets, sovereign financing, and partnerships with institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund.

 

Separately, Finance Minister Aurangzeb met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to discuss Pakistan's economic outlook and ongoing reform agenda. The talks covered fiscal consolidation, technology driven tax administration, and reforms in the energy sector.

 

Marriott acknowledged Pakistan's progress in improving macroeconomic stability and reaffirmed the UK's support for its reform programme. Both sides also discussed enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, financial markets, and climate resilience.

 

The finance minister reiterated the government's commitment to advancing economic reforms and facilitating investment, while both sides agreed to continue close coordination on areas of shared interest.