ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP): Pakistan and China on Wednesday launched the “Pak–China E-Mining Platform”, a digital initiative aimed at enhancing information-sharing, project connectivity and cooperation between Pakistani authorities and Chinese enterprises.
The platform is expected to improve transparency, efficiency and collaboration in the development of Pakistan’s mineral sector.
The e-mining platform was launched during the Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum organised by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan.
The event brought together senior Pakistani leadership, diplomatic representatives, Chinese enterprises and industry stakeholders to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development and investment in the minerals sector.
The forum served as a high-level platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, technological collaboration and business matchmaking across the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, mining, processing, logistics, financing and capacity building.
More than 70 Chinese companies, over 100 Pakistani companies and around 800 participants attended the forum, reflecting strong interest from both sides in deepening cooperation in the mineral sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal; Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong; Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik; and Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, along with senior federal and provincial officials, executives of leading Chinese enterprises and representatives of relevant institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong interest in
investing in Pakistan’s mining sector and supporting capacity-building and technological advancement.
He emphasised the importance of sustainability and international construction standards in mining projects, noting that these efforts had been acknowledged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy.
He said responsible mining could enhance resource utilisation and promote harmonious relations with local communities, adding that the Saindak project alone had trained over 5,200 local employees.
The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to increasing local participation and providing systematic support to enterprises operating in Pakistan.
He also highlighted China’s focus on “small and beautiful projects” in areas such as infrastructure, education and healthcare as part of broader development cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan Wang Huihua said the forum reflected the evolving phase of Pakistan-China economic cooperation, with mining and minerals emerging as a new pillar of engagement.
He said the chamber remained committed to facilitating structured dialogue, promoting responsible investment and strengthening linkages between Chinese and Pakistani enterprises.
Chairman of Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) Wang Jicheng shared insights from Chinese mining operations in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of technology transfer, workforce training and adherence to best practices.
He reaffirmed MCC’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s mineral sector.
A major milestone of the forum was the launch of the Pak–China E-Mining Platform.
The forum also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) reflecting growing confidence in bilateral cooperation in the industrial and mineral sectors.
An MoU titled “A Framework for Cooperation to Explore Opportunities in Digital Cross-Border Industrial Trade” was signed between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited and MCCT International, as well as between JW Corporation and MCCT International.
Another MoU was signed among the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, Power China International, and Pak-China Investment Company Limited to cooperate in Pakistan’s mineral sector, focusing on investment facilitation, technical cooperation, and joint development initiatives.
The second session of the forum focused on policy frameworks and sectoral briefings, featuring presentations by federal and provincial representatives on mining policies, regulatory incentives and mineral resource potential. Technical presentations by Chinese institutions and enterprises highlighted geological cooperation and key mining projects.
The forum concluded with business matchmaking sessions and a stall exhibition, enabling direct engagement between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
The Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in the mineral sector through policy alignment, investment facilitation, technological innovation and sustainable development.
APP/zah-sra