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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday assured full government support to Chinese investors and highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;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&rsquo;s strategic geographic location, competitive workforce and regional connectivity, expressing confidence in the country&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.

Economy

Minister assures Chinese investors of government support, as discussions focused on export-oriented manufacturing, industrial expansion, employment generation and strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation.

Pakistan minister assures full support to Chinese investors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan told a European Parliament delegation that removing duty concessions on ethanol exports under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is damaging rural livelihoods and farming communities. The minister outlined how this change has hurt rural economies reliant on ethanol production from sugarcane molasses. He urged the EU to reconsider the decision to protect these vulnerable communities. GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) is a special incentive arrangement by the European Union that grants tariff reductions to vulnerable developing countries in exchange for commitments to implement 27 core international conventions on human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance. This allows these countries to export goods to the EU with zero or lower tariffs on most of their products, promoting sustainable development and integration into the global economy. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad, as per the Press Information Department. It involved a high-level delegation from the European Parliament&rsquo;s Committee on Development led by Lukas Mandl. Discussions covered Pakistan&rsquo;s achievements under the GSP+ scheme, which supports sustainable trade, human rights, labor reforms, climate action, and institutional strengthening. The commerce minister stated how Pakistan secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2026&ndash;2028 and received &ldquo;A status&rdquo; accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for its National Commission for Human Rights. The government passed key legislation, including the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025. It also introduced commissions to protect journalists and minorities and adopted a policy promoting interfaith harmony. On the economic front, the minister reported steps to attract foreign investment. The central bank&rsquo;s interest rate has dropped from 22% to 11%. The government is focusing on industrial growth, skill training, and empowering the country&rsquo;s youth, with over 60% of the population under 30 years of age. The minister invited EU companies to invest in sectors like agriculture, food processing, seed development, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises, and e-commerce. He also raised a second trade concern: the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of basmati rice. The issue of GI registration for basmati rice in the EU involves a dispute between India and Pakistan, both of which have applied for protected status. The EU has been urged to make a fair decision, as Pakistan has opposed India&#39;s 2018 application, arguing that it would negatively impact Pakistan&#39;s exports, given that both countries produce and trade Basmati. Officials also briefed the delegation on Pakistan&rsquo;s recent accession to the Madrid Protocol on Trademarks and the Marrakech Treaty for the Visually Impaired. Reforms on patents and copyrights are underway to strengthen intellectual property laws and improve investor confidence. The European parliamentarians praised Pakistan&rsquo;s transparency and reform efforts. They discussed areas for improved cooperation, including global peace, education, and economic ties. The commerce minister sought EU support on regulatory compliance related to sustainability and climate standards, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The talks ended with both sides committing to deepen trade, investment, and development cooperation under the GSP+ framework.

Ethanol production facility in Pakistan (pepl.pk)

Business

Pakistan's Commerce Minister discussed GSP+ achievements, raised concerns over ethanol export duty cuts and basmati rice GI registration, and sought EU support for sustainability and trade reforms.

Articles tagged with "pakistan ministry of commerce"

Pakistan minister assures full support to Chinese investors

Pakistan farmers hurt by EU duty concession cuts on ethanol: minister

Pakistan minister assures full support to Chinese investors