Karachi, Pakistan – February 13, 2025 – The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with Mr. Muhammad Imran, Trade & Investment Counsellor (TIC) Guangzhou, China, successfully organized the Pakistan-China Virtual B2B Forum: Unlocking Opportunities in the Mineral Sector. The high-profile event, skillfully moderated by Mr. Muhammad Yousuf, Assistant Manager & Product Officer (Minerals), TDAP, served as a strategic platform to strengthen bilateral trade, explore new investment avenues, and foster collaboration between Pakistani exporters and Chinese importers. With 45 leading participants from both countries, the session underscored the growing significance of Pakistan’s mineral sector in global trade.
Inaugural Remarks and Sectoral Insights
The session commenced with insightful opening remarks by Mr. Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General (Engineering & Minerals), TDAP, who emphasized Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth and the necessity of fostering robust trade linkages with China. He reiterated TDAP’s commitment to unlocking new business opportunities through enhanced trade cooperation and investment facilitation.
A comprehensive presentation was then delivered by Engr. Muhammad Yousuf, Mining Expert & Consultant, who provided an in-depth analysis of Pakistan’s mineral investment landscape. He highlighted major mining ventures such as the Tethyan Belt’s copper-gold reserves and the Saindak Copper Mining Project, shedding light on Pakistan’s regulatory framework, mineral resource potential, and the pressing need for value addition, particularly in bauxite processing for alumina production. His insights also addressed key challenges in the sector, along with a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth and enhanced export competitiveness.
Further enriching the discussion, Mr. Iqbal Sarwar, Director Business Facilitation, KP BOIT, provided an exclusive overview of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KPK) mineral wealth and its promising export potential. His presentation emphasized the untapped investment opportunities in mineral value addition and the need for policy-driven initiatives to attract foreign investors.
China’s Market Perspective and Industry Collaboration
Providing a Chinese market perspective, Mr. Muhammad Imran, Trade & Investment Counsellor (TIC), Guangzhou, elaborated on China’s dynamic mineral demand and the lucrative trade opportunities available for Pakistani exporters. He emphasized the growing demand for iron ore, pyrite, copper concentrates, chromite, and other metallic and non-metallic minerals, highlighting China’s evolving import preferences and the critical role of streamlined trade mechanisms in enhancing bilateral trade volumes.
Adding an industry perspective, Mr. Uzair Tanoli, Secretary General, Frontier Mine Owners Association (KPK), speaking on behalf of Mr. Sherbandi Khan, President, addressed emerging market trends and collaborative business opportunities within Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Ihsanullah, CEO of Guangzhou Upsource Trading Company Ltd., shared valuable insights on importing minerals from Pakistan, detailing the challenges and opportunities within the sector, regulatory considerations, and strategic measures to optimize trade efficiency.
Engaging Q&A Session and Strategic Announcements
The forum culminated in a highly engaging and interactive Q&A session, where Pakistani exporters and Chinese importers posed thought-provoking queries. These were expertly addressed by Mr. Rashid Hussain Brohi, Director, Engineering & Minerals Division, TDAP, and Mr. Muhammad Imran, TIC Guangzhou. Additionally, Mr. Iqbal Sarwar, Director Business Facilitation, KP Board of Investment & Trade, Engr. Muhammad Yousuf, Mining Expert & Consultant, Mr. Uzair Tanoli, Secretary, Frontier Mine Owners Association, and Mr. Ihsan Ullah, CEO, Guangzhou Upsource Trading Company, provided in-depth responses, insightful perspectives, and practical solutions to key concerns raised during the discussion.
A major highlight of the session was the announcement of the upcoming Minerals Investment Pavilion at the Health, Engineering & Minerals Show, scheduled for April 17-19 at the Expo Center, Lahore. Pakistani mineral exporters were invited to showcase their products, while Chinese importers were encouraged to explore Pakistan’s vast mineral potential and strengthen trade ties through direct engagement at the exhibition.
Closing Remarks and the Path Forward
The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Rashid Hussain Brohi, Director, Engineering & Minerals Division, TDAP, who expressed profound appreciation for the active participation of industry stakeholders. He reaffirmed TDAP’s unwavering commitment to fostering long-term trade partnerships between Pakistan and China and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, innovation, and investment in the mineral sector to unlock its full economic potential.
The successful conclusion of the Pakistan-China Virtual B2B Forum marks a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral trade, driving investment, and positioning Pakistan’s mineral sector on the global map.
