ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday launched a joint digital “Pak-China E-Mining Platform” and signed several memoranda of understanding to strengthen cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector, estimated to hold resources worth up to $8 trillion.
The platform was unveiled at the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad and is designed to improve data sharing, project coordination and investment connectivity between Pakistani authorities and Chinese companies.
Officials said the initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency while encouraging Chinese investment across the mining value chain.
During the forum, multiple agreements were signed, including a framework for digital cross-border industrial trade between Wah Nobel (Pvt) Limited and MCCT International, as well as between JW Corporation and MCCT International.
Another cooperation agreement was signed among Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), POWERCHINA International and Pak China Investment Company Limited, focusing on investment facilitation, technical collaboration and joint project development.
The event, organised by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, brought together government officials, diplomats and industry representatives. Authorities said more than 800 participants attended, including delegations from over 70 Chinese firms and more than 100 Pakistani companies.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who also serves as Pakistan’s focal person for CPEC, said Islamabad wants strategic partners such as China to help transform the mineral sector beyond raw extraction.
He said Pakistan aims to develop mineral processing plants, smelters and refining facilities linked with special economic zones and transport corridors.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed Beijing’s interest in Pakistan’s mining sector and pledged support for technology transfer and capacity building, stressing the importance of sustainable and internationally compliant mining practices.
CCCPK Chairman Wang Huihua said mining was emerging as a new pillar of Pak-China economic cooperation and pledged continued facilitation of partnerships between enterprises from both countries.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan was moving toward responsible, value-added mineral development and promised policy stability and streamlined approvals. He also formally invited Chinese companies to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.
