Pakistan-China Cooperation Must Move from Technology Import to Joint Innovation: Sardar Tahir Mehmood

WNAM REPORT: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has called for transforming Pakistan-China economic cooperation into a technology-driven partnership focused on joint ventures, technology transfer, local capacity building, research and development and skilled employment, saying Pakistan must move from being merely a consumer of technology to becoming a partner in innovation.
He was speaking while welcoming a nine-member Chinese delegation led by Capt. Abdul Khaliq Rabbani Khar, Managing Director, HKH Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Lu Guoping, General Manager, Shanghai Pumin Technology Development Co. Ltd., at the ICCI. The meeting explored new avenues of cooperation in Safe City and Smart City solutions, advanced security systems, drones, robotics, UAV technology, data centres, education, skills development and research and development. Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan’s large young workforce, expanding digital economy and growing demand for modern technological infrastructure offered significant opportunities for Chinese companies and investors.
The ICCI President emphasized that cooperation should result in tangible outcomes, including local manufacturing, technical training, technology transfer, employment generation, export development and stronger Pakistani technological capabilities. He said ICCI would provide its platform to connect Chinese technology companies with Pakistani businesses and institutions and facilitate commercially viable partnerships.
Capt. Abdul Khaliq Rabbani Khar briefed the participants about the delegation’s engagements in China and Pakistan and said the visit had opened promising prospects for cooperation in advanced security technologies, drones, robotics, UAV systems, education, research and skills development. He said Chinese partners had expressed willingness to support R&D activities in Pakistan and cooperate in establishing centres of excellence, student exchange programmes and specialized training facilities. He also highlighted ongoing engagement with Pakistani institutions and government stakeholders to advance cooperation in strategically important technological areas.
Lu Guoping, General Manager, Shanghai Pumin Technology Development Co. Ltd., made a comprehensive presentation on the company’s technological capabilities, achievements and experience in different sectors. He highlighted potential areas of cooperation with Pakistani institutions and businesses, particularly in advanced security solutions, drone and robotic systems, Smart City technologies, data centres, R&D and other emerging technologies, and expressed interest in developing mutually beneficial partnerships in Pakistan.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub delivered the welcome address and moderated the session, facilitating direct interaction between the Chinese delegation and the Pakistani business community. ICCI Vice President, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the delegation for visiting the Chamber and sharing its technological expertise and investment potential, expressing confidence that the engagement would pave the way for stronger and long-term business cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Those present included ICCI Executive Members Imran Minhas and Zulqurnain Abbasi, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry and other prominent members of the business community.