ISLAMABAD, AUG 7 /DNA/ – President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has called for taking Pakistan-China economic cooperation beyond its traditional framework by embracing innovation, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and high-value investments, saying the next chapter of the all-weather strategic partnership must be driven by knowledge, technology and industrial excellence.
He expressed these views while talking to a high-powered Chinese business delegation led by Mr. Li Ang, Deputy Secretary General, Commercial Culture Association of China (CCAC), and Deputy Secretary General, China Association for the Promotion of Western Development (CAPWD), at the ICCI Chamber House.
The delegation also comprised Ms. Wu Rachel, Deputy Secretary General, Commercial Culture Association of China and CEO of BSFL Culture, Education and Technology Group, along with ten prominent Chinese business leaders representing diverse sectors, including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, green technologies, industrial modernization, digital economy, smart logistics, modern agriculture and technology-driven joint ventures.
Welcoming the delegation, Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that Pakistan and China enjoy an iron-clad friendship that has withstood the test of time and continues to serve as a model of strategic cooperation. He observed that while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has laid a strong foundation for bilateral economic collaboration, the future demands greater focus on emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, green technologies, industrial modernization, digital economy, smart logistics, modern agriculture and technology-driven joint ventures.
He said Pakistan offers a compelling investment destination backed by its strategic geographic location, youthful workforce, expanding consumer market and significant industrial potential. He emphasized that the country’s evolving economic landscape presents immense opportunities for Chinese enterprises seeking regional expansion and long-term partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Li Ang appreciated the warm hospitality extended by ICCI and reaffirmed the Chinese business community’s strong confidence in Pakistan’s economic future. He noted that the delegation’s visit reflects China’s continued commitment to expanding commercial cooperation with Pakistan and expressed optimism that direct engagement between entrepreneurs from both countries would lead to new investment opportunities, technology partnerships and mutually beneficial business ventures.
Ms. Wu Rachel underlined the importance of people-to-people connectivity, educational collaboration, cultural exchanges and technological cooperation in strengthening long-term economic relations. She said enhanced interaction between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises would create sustainable opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
During the interactive session, business leaders from both countries held detailed discussions on expanding bilateral trade, promoting industrial collaboration, encouraging technology transfer, attracting investment and developing effective mechanisms for facilitating joint ventures. The participants also explored new avenues for cooperation in high-growth sectors capable of generating long-term economic value for both nations.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub said ICCI remains fully committed to fostering stronger institutional partnerships with leading Chinese organizations and creating an enabling platform for meaningful business collaborations that contribute to sustainable economic development in both Pakistan and China.
Earlier, Mr. Waqas Ahmed, senior member of ICCI and coordinator of the Chinese delegation, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the vast trade, investment and industrial potential of Pakistan and China while identifying promising areas for future cooperation.
The session was also attended by ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, Executive Members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Waseem Chaudhry and Imran Minhas, former Senior Vice President Fahad Waheed, and a large number of business leaders representing diverse sectors of the economy.
