Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has urged deeper industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan. He named joint ventures, technology transfer and manufacturing investment as the main channels. According to a press release, he made the case to a 13-member delegation of the Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF), arguing that industrialisation is vital for Pakistan’s export growth, employment and long-term economic expansion.
Delegation offers joint ventures and electric vehicle projects
The PCBF delegation is headed by Sheikh Ejaz Asghar, co-chairman, and Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum, chief patron. Asghar, who chairs VOLTRIX BATTERIES, said he has played a key role in promoting the two countries’ partnership for 30 years. He told the meeting that the delegation was prepared to sign joint venture agreements with Pakistani businesses and wanted to invest in the proposed Islamabad Industrial Estate.
Asghar also outlined plans to bring an electric bus project to Pakistan. He identified opportunities in electric vehicles, electrical equipment, manufacturing, trade and distribution, localised production and technical training. The group, he said, is looking for trustworthy Pakistani partners, sales channels and industrial facilities to build lasting operations.
Proposed directory, display centre and facilitation desk
Zia put forward several practical steps. These include a comprehensive directory of Chinese companies and their products, a product and technology display centre at ICCI, and a dedicated facilitation desk for Chinese businesses in Islamabad. He stressed that consistent follow-up, effective matchmaking and a clear grasp of shared commercial interests were needed to turn bilateral engagement into concrete results. He also said Islamabad’s strategic location and closeness to government institutions make it an attractive investment destination.
March 2027 expo planned ahead of SCO engagements
Zia proposed a major Pakistan-China Expo in Islamabad in March 2027, timed before upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) engagements. The event would showcase products, promote investment and link businesses directly. Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum earlier highlighted the group’s efforts to strengthen economic ties, while former ICCI presidents Mian Akram Farid and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi stressed investment, joint ventures and private-sector collaboration. Wei Linzhuo, president of PCBF Beijing, and Yuan Bangxiang, chairman of Shengtang EV Bus, also attended the engagement.
