Pakistan-China B2B Forum Explores Mineral Trade Opportunities
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most valuable mineral resources, yet the sector remains vastly underdeveloped. In a bid to strengthen trade and investment, the Pakistan-China Virtual B2B Forum was held on February 13, bringing together 45 key stakeholders from both countries. Hosted by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, the event aimed to enhance collaboration in mineral trade and processing.
Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General of TDAP’s Engineering & Minerals Division, emphasized Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves and its eagerness to attract Chinese investment for sectoral growth. Despite being valued at over $6 trillion, Pakistan’s mineral sector currently contributes less than 3% to the country’s GDP.
A major focus of the forum was bauxite processing, as Pakistan holds over 74 million tons of bauxite reserves but lacks the necessary infrastructure to refine it into alumina and aluminum. Muhammad Yousuf, Assistant Manager of TDAP, stressed that Chinese expertise and investment could play a crucial role in overcoming this challenge.
China’s rising demand for minerals such as iron ore, pyrite, and chromite presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan. Muhammad Imran, Acting Consul General and Trade and Investment Counsellor, highlighted the need for policy-driven initiatives and streamlined trade mechanisms to facilitate smoother investments.
Further, Iqbal Sarwar, Director of Business Facilitation at the KP Board of Investment & Trade, shed light on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rich deposits of gemstones, marble, and limestone, emphasizing the region’s potential for foreign investment.
The event also provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss market trends and collaborative opportunities. The forum concluded with a Q&A session and an announcement regarding the Minerals Investment Pavilion at the upcoming Health, Engineering & Minerals Show, scheduled for April 17-19, 2025, at the Expo Center in Lahore.