Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s technology, manufacturing and mining sectors during a meeting with a delegation from The Silicon Village and China’s Sino British Regional Development Fund Management Co. Ltd.
The delegation included Brigadier Abid Cheema, Chief Executive Officer of The Silicon Village, Pakistan’s largest tax-free technology park, and David Dai, Executive Director of Sino British Regional Development Fund Management Co. Ltd.
During the meeting, Dai highlighted Pakistan’s potential in emerging technologies, including semiconductor chip packaging, conductors, green energy chargers, advanced manufacturing and research.
He said the company is considering establishing a sister technology park in Pakistan in partnership with The Silicon Village and noted growing interest among Chinese investors in lithium technologies, Karachi-based projects and Pakistan Steel Mills.
Brigadier Cheema briefed the minister on developments at The Silicon Village, including Pakistan’s first tax-free technology zone and the country’s first AI-powered data centre. The minister described the initiatives as important milestones for Pakistan’s technology sector.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the government is in discussions with Russia regarding Pakistan Steel Mills and invited the delegation to visit Karachi to assess investment opportunities. He also highlighted the recently discovered iron ore reserves in Chiniot as a promising avenue for future investment.
The minister outlined incentives available under Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including a nine-year income tax exemption and duty-free import of machinery.
He said the government remains committed to promoting joint ventures and facilitating foreign investment under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Senior BOI officials assured the delegation of full support in addressing regulatory and operational issues, while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on China Zafaruddin said the government is keen to strengthen business-to-business partnerships with Chinese companies.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing technology transfer, expanding investment cooperation and fostering strategic partnerships to support Pakistan’s economic development.-ERMD
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