Islamabad, October 14, 2026: The Pakistan–China Business Forum (PCBF) celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Mövenpick Centaurus Hotel, Islamabad, bringing together approximately 150 dignitaries, government representatives, Chinese diplomats and prominent business leaders to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and promote investment-led industrial development.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan attended the event as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan and China enjoyed a longstanding friendship founded on mutual trust, respect and shared interests. He emphasised that the next phase of bilateral cooperation must translate this historic relationship into tangible outcomes through industrial investment, technology transfer, manufacturing and export growth.

He said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision was to transform Pakistan’s economic potential into sustainable industrial development, productive employment and stronger exports. The government was committed to facilitating Chinese investors and strengthening business-to-business cooperation to convert investment interest into commercially viable projects.

The Adviser highlighted the Ministry of Industries and Production’s role in coordinating with relevant ministries, institutions and the Chinese Embassy to facilitate visiting Chinese business delegations, arrange meetings with prospective Pakistani partners and provide logistical and institutional support during their engagements in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between *GU GO MOTORS and SHENGTANG GROUP* for a proposed joint venture to manufacture electric buses in Pakistan. The proposed initiative aims to promote technology transfer, develop local manufacturing capabilities and explore opportunities to produce export-ready vehicles under the Made in Pakistan banner.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said electric mobility offered significant opportunities for Pakistan to expand its manufacturing base, develop local supply chains and strengthen its position in emerging automotive technologies. He stressed that cooperation with Chinese companies could help Pakistan move towards higher-value production and create employment opportunities for its skilled workforce and young people.

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating investment in Special Economic Zones, promoting technology transfer, providing applicable incentives and improving the business environment for investors. He said predictable policies, streamlined regulations and effective institutional coordination were essential for attracting long-term productive investment.

The event was attended by a 14-member Chinese business delegation led by Mr. Wei Linzhuo, President of the PCBF Beijing Office. Organised by PCBF under the coordination of its Islamabad Chapter, led by Co-Chairman Sheikh Ejaz, the delegation is undertaking an 11-day business mission covering Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The delegation is exploring potential partnerships across a broad range of sectors, including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, charging infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, trade centres, China Pavilions, electrical appliances, building materials, mineral equipment and pharmaceuticals.

In his welcome address, Sheikh Ejaz highlighted the Forum’s role in connecting Pakistani and Chinese enterprises and facilitating commercially viable joint ventures. He noted that PCBF’s network of 20 offices across Chinese cities provided access to extensive business and investor networks.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed interest in strengthening direct engagement between Chinese investors and Pakistani businesses to identify new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

Representatives and stakeholders from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Board of Investment (BOI) and other relevant ministries and institutions also attended the gathering.

The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony, the signing of the MoU and business networking sessions aimed at strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

The Ministry of Industries and Production reiterated its commitment to facilitating meaningful partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises, with a focus on moving discussions towards implementable projects that generate investment, promote local manufacturing, transfer technology and create sustainable employment.

Further business meetings are planned during the delegation’s visit to Pakistan to advance prospective partnerships and strengthen long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.