Hangzhou: Pakistan has stepped up its push for foreign investment as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told a major investment gathering in Hangzhou that the country is fully “open for business.” According to Beyond Time News, he highlighted billions of dollars in agreements already signed with China and described the partnership as a key driver of Pakistan’s economic future.
The remarks came during the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference, held alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China, where both sides aim to expand trade, industrial cooperation, and long-term investment.
Pakistan Positions Itself for Global Investment
Ishaq Dar opened his address by presenting a confident message to international investors. He said Pakistan is actively reforming its economy while creating space for industrial expansion and foreign capital.
“Pakistan is open for business. Pakistan is reforming. Pakistan is rising,” he said while inviting Chinese companies to explore new opportunities.
According to Beyond Time News, Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s economic direction now focuses on stability, productivity, and long-term sustainable growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Moreover, he explained that economic diplomacy now plays a central role in Pakistan’s foreign policy, especially in strengthening ties with China.
Strong Business Participation Highlights Growing Confidence
The conference brought together more than 500 companies from Pakistan and China. Officials from both sides discussed investment opportunities in key sectors such as:
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications
- Battery energy storage systems
- Agriculture
Dar stressed that these sectors directly support Pakistan’s industrial modernization plan. He also noted that cooperation in these fields can accelerate job creation and export growth.
In addition, he pointed out that Pakistan continues to refine its investment environment to attract long-term partnerships.
$13 Billion in Agreements Strengthens Economic Ties
According to Beyond Time News, Pakistan and China have achieved significant progress in business-to-business cooperation. Dar revealed that both countries have signed:
- More than 300 MoUs
- Nearly three dozen joint ventures
- Agreements worth over $13 billion
He also noted that around 30% of these MoUs have already turned into formal contracts.
This progress shows rising trust between the two countries and reflects stronger private-sector involvement on both sides.
Meanwhile, Dar clarified that these agreements go beyond numbers because they represent growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction.
Digital Economy and Industrial Expansion Gain Momentum
Pakistan continues to expand cooperation in the digital and industrial sectors. Dar highlighted the launch of the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters in Islamabad, which started operations shortly after discussions in Beijing.
The initiative already generated investment commitments exceeding $1 billion, which signals growing interest in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
In addition, Dar announced a major upcoming joint venture between Pakistan’s Servis Group and China’s Longstar Group. The project will establish a billion-dollar manufacturing company in Pakistan.
As a result, Pakistan expects stronger industrial output and increased foreign participation in local production networks.
Economic Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
Dar praised Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in China for actively promoting business partnerships. He specifically appreciated Ambassador Khalil Hashmi for strengthening trade and investment links.
He explained that Pakistan now follows a practical economic diplomacy model that focuses on:
- Direct business engagement
- Targeted outreach to investors
- Strategic public-private partnerships
- Measurable investment outcomes
Unlike traditional approaches, this model prioritizes results and long-term collaboration.
Historic Milestone in Pakistan-China Relations
Pakistan and China marked 75 years of diplomatic relations during the conference. Dar described the partnership as an “iron brotherhood” that has remained stable despite global and regional challenges.
He added that both countries now strengthen their relationship through business-to-business cooperation rather than relying only on government-level engagement.
According to Beyond Time News, this shift reflects a broader effort to deepen economic integration between the two countries.
CPEC 2.0 Opens New Economic Pathways
Both countries continue to advance the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). This upgraded framework focuses on:
- Industrial development
- Agricultural modernization
- Mining sector expansion
- Digital economy growth
- Infrastructure upgrades
Officials from both sides also agreed to improve trade routes and connectivity. For example, they plan to ensure year-round access through the Khunjerab Pass and strengthen logistics through Gwadar Port and the Karakoram Highway.
Consequently, Pakistan expects smoother trade flows and stronger regional connectivity.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements in China
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues his four-day visit to China, where he will meet senior leadership including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
During the visit, he will also:
- Attend events marking 75 years of bilateral relations
- Meet executives from major Chinese companies
- Visit agricultural and research institutions
These engagements aim to expand investment cooperation and strengthen strategic ties under CPEC Phase II.
Read more:Pakistan–China Iron Brotherhood Strengthens as Economic Cooperation Expands: Ishaq Dar
Recent Progress in Bilateral Cooperation
Pakistan and China have recently signed multiple agreements in areas such as:
- Agricultural technology
- Desalination projects
- Tea production and processing
- Industrial development
According to Beyond Time News, both sides now focus on converting agreements into operational projects that deliver real economic benefits.
Furthermore, officials believe this approach will help improve exports, infrastructure, and employment opportunities in Pakistan.
Conclusion: A Push Toward Economic Transformation
Pakistan continues to present itself as an emerging investment destination with strong backing from its partnership with China. The $13 billion in agreements, combined with expanding cooperation under CPEC 2.0, signals a new phase in economic collaboration.
As Ishaq Dar emphasized in Hangzhou, Pakistan aims to build a stronger, more competitive economy through reform, openness, and international partnerships.
According to Beyond Time News, the growing Pakistan-China business relationship now plays a central role in shaping Pakistan’s long-term economic direction.
FAQs
1. What did Ishaq Dar announce in China?
He declared that Pakistan is “open for business” and highlighted major investment agreements with China.
2. How much investment has been signed between Pakistan and China?
Both countries have signed over $13 billion in MoUs and joint ventures.
3. Which sectors are included in new cooperation?
Key sectors include IT, telecom, agriculture, energy storage, and digital economy.
4. What is CPEC 2.0?
It is the upgraded phase of CPEC focusing on industry, agriculture, mining, and digital development.
5. What is the goal of Pakistan’s China visit?
The goal is to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and expand bilateral cooperation.
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