ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday assured full government support to Chinese investors and highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in export-oriented manufacturing and industrial development.
The minister held a meeting in Islamabad with a Chinese business delegation led by Huwang, Chairman of Challenges Fashion, and Karen Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Apparel.
During the meeting, both sides discussed investment opportunities in textiles, apparel and other industrial sectors, along with broader Pakistan-China economic cooperation.
The Chinese delegation briefed the minister on progress regarding their ongoing industrial project in Pakistan and shared plans for major expansion in manufacturing capacity, employment generation, and exports.
Huwang informed the meeting that the company is establishing a large manufacturing facility in Pakistan under international production standards, with the first phase expected to be completed later this year.
According to the delegation, the long-term expansion plan could create up to 20,000 jobs and generate annual exports worth 400 to 500 million dollars.
The Chinese investors highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic location, competitive workforce and regional connectivity, expressing confidence in the country’s industrial and export potential.
Khan welcomed the growing interest of Chinese companies in Pakistan and said the government is taking steps to improve the investment climate and simplify regulatory procedures.
He said investor facilitation remains a key priority of the government in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of promoting export-led economic growth.
The minister noted that changing global supply chains and evolving economic dynamics are creating new opportunities for countries like Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s strategic location and industrial capabilities make it an attractive destination for export-oriented investment and regional trade integration.
The meeting also discussed regional connectivity, logistics, energy access and the importance of diversified trade corridors.
Chinese representatives shared positive experiences regarding their operations in Pakistan but pointed out that international perceptions sometimes affect business decisions abroad.
Khan acknowledged the issue and said Pakistan has made significant progress in improving the business environment and strengthening investor protection.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding specialized industrial construction materials and inputs not currently manufactured locally.
The minister assured the investors that the government would facilitate industrial requirements and informed them about ongoing tariff rationalization measures aimed at improving competitiveness and reducing manufacturing costs.
He invited the delegation to formally submit details of products requiring tariff review within the government’s ongoing reform framework.
The meeting also reviewed progress on land approvals, infrastructure, utility facilitation and reforms in Special Economic Zone frameworks aimed at improving ease of doing business in Pakistan.
