Pakistan-China B2B Forums Expected to Attract USD 22bn in Investment

Pakistan-China sector specific business conferences have generated proposed investments, joint ventures, and commercial commitments worth approximately USD 22 billion, according to Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi.

 

The first six (B2B) conferences resulted in more than 670 business commitments, with the latest event focused on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare contributing USD 1.72 billion. Around 30% of commitments from earlier conferences have already progressed into commercial agreements, joint ventures, local offices, or investment projects.

 

The government plans to build on this momentum by organising additional sector-focused conferences, including events on semiconductors later this year and sports goods, sportswear, and surgical instruments in Sialkot.

 

Hashmi stressed that signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) should not be viewed as completed investments, noting that projects must still pass through feasibility studies, financing, regulatory approvals, and construction before becoming operational.

 

He identified pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, medical devices, and biotechnology as key areas for Pakistan-China collaboration, while also highlighting the need to address challenges such as industrial land costs, regulatory delays, infrastructure, and security to convert commitments into long-term investment and employment opportunities.