ISLAMABAD: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan’s mineral exports could rise to $6-8 billion annually within the decade if the country shifts from raw extraction to value-added production, highlighting China’s role as central to this transformation.
Addressing the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, Iqbal said Pakistan aims to develop mineral processing plants, smelters, refineries, and mineral-based industrial clusters linked to Special Economic Zones. He said Islamabad was seeking joint ventures capable of serving regional and global markets, not just domestic demand.
“The transformation of Pakistan’s mineral economy cannot happen without strategic partners, and China’s role is central,” he said, adding that future cooperation should focus on technology, innovation, human capital development, and long-term partnerships.
The minister reiterated that the security of Chinese nationals and investments remained a top national priority. Referring to the second phase of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it was aimed at turning connectivity into productivity, exports, jobs, and sustainable growth. He expressed hope that the next phase would help modernize Pakistan’s agriculture, industry, and technological capacity, enabling export-led growth.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan, with China’s support, was positioning itself as a reliable long-term partner in the global mineral supply chain.
He invited Chinese companies, service providers, and equipment suppliers to deepen their engagement in Pakistan’s mineral sector, saying closer cooperation could help build mutually beneficial partnerships for both countries.
Gwadar as a global trade hub
At a separate occasion, Iqbal reaffirmed his commitment to turning Gwadar into a global trade hub, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
A seminar and exhibition titled “Gwadar: Modern Coastal City 2026” was held on Wednesday, aimed at promoting Gwadar as a modern, sustainable, and world-class coastal and trade city.
Experts, policymakers, investors, representatives of educational institutions, and business executives from both Pakistan and abroad participated in the seminar.
In his address as the chief guest, the minister described the industrial and commercial development of Gwadar Port as a national priority. He said that Gwadar is no longer just a port but is becoming a strategic route connecting Pakistan to the global trade system.
Center of modern infrastructure
The federal minister said that the government is implementing an integrated strategy to make Gwadar a center of modern infrastructure, industry, trade, logistics, and tourism.
He emphasized that the primary purpose of Gwadar’s development is to provide the local population with employment, education, health, water, and electricity, so that the benefits of development reach the common citizen.
During the seminar, discussions were held on important topics such as policymaking, investment opportunities, port security, regional connectivity, environmentally friendly development, and sustainable urban planning.
The speakers agreed that the development of Gwadar would play a key role in advancing Pakistan’s economic sovereignty and boosting exports.
Global connectivity
On this occasion, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that Gwadar is emerging as a strategic center for trade, port-based economy, and global connectivity in the region, with the potential to link Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Aftabur Rehman Rana, highlighted Gwadar’s tourism potential in his address, saying that coastal tourism, cultural heritage, and natural beauty could give Gwadar a prominent position on the global tourism map.
Scholars who spoke at the event included Dr Muhammad Jamil Ahmed, who said that Gwadar Port has full potential to become a center for regional trade, logistics, and transit trade, which could give Pakistan a competitive edge in the region.
Dr Hasan Dawood Butt, highlighting Gwadar’s industrial potential and Special Economic Zones, said that investment in industrial zones would create new employment opportunities and could significantly increase exports.
Dean of the National University of Sciences and Technology, Dr Ashfaq Hasan Khan, emphasized in his speech that the social and economic development of the local population should be central to Gwadar’s growth to ensure sustainable, inclusive development.
At the end of the seminar, participants called it a key milestone for Pakistan’s economic growth, regional links, and future plans, and showed their dedication to ongoing collaboration to make Gwadar a world-class, modern coastal city.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)