ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): A high-powered delegation comprising 20 leading Chinese businessmen and tourism representatives visited Pakistan from 12–19 May 2026 on the invitation of the Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF).
The delegation was led by Mr. Sheikh Ejaz Asghar, Islamabad-based Co-Chairman of PCBF, which maintains collaboration with 15 partner forums across various cities in China. Each affiliated forum represents between 25 to 50 industrialists and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including electric vehicles (four-, three- and two-wheelers), EV charging systems, lithium batteries, agriculture machinery, mining, drones, information technology and telecommunications, reinforced thermoplastic pipes, oil & gas, tourism, and hospitality.
To facilitate the visit at the governmental level, PCBF coordinated closely with Secretary IPC, Mr. Mohiuddin Wani, whose efforts proved instrumental in arranging a series of high-level meetings with key government stakeholders. The delegation held productive interactions with Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, senior officials of SIFC, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce & Industry Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Secretary Pakistan Railways, and other senior government representatives.
During these meetings, the Government of Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting foreign investment and strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation, particularly in tourism, agriculture, electric vehicles, batteries, and industrial development within Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
A major highlight of the visit was the Pakistan-China Business Forum held at Mövenpick Hotel Centaurus Islamabad, led by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, CEO of Centaurus and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism. The forum brought together prominent Pakistani business leaders and the visiting Chinese entrepreneurs for high-level engagements focused on bilateral investment and industrial collaboration.
Distinguished participants included Usman Shaukat, President RCCI; Sardar Tahir, President ICCI; Dr. Rizwan Uppal; Aamir Tesla, CEO Tesla Industries Pvt Ltd; Umais Khattak, President Islamabad Industrial Association; Haroon Naseer, CEO Maroof International Hospital; Chaudhry Naseer, Chairman Maroof International Hospital; Shafique Akbar, CEO IMARAT Group; representatives of Monal Group; Qasim Talha, Director International Sales ACM Group of Industries; and Aftab Rana, Managing Director PTDC.
The forum featured extensive B2B engagements and strategic discussions covering renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, construction, industrial manufacturing, infrastructure development, and technology-driven sectors aimed at expanding Pakistan-China trade and investment connectivity.
The Chinese delegation was also accorded State Guest Protocol by the Government of Punjab. Special meetings were organized with Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah on behalf of Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb. Detailed discussions focused on agricultural mechanization, modern farming technologies, and enhancing crop yields through Chinese expertise and equipment.
Punjab Tourism Department, under the leadership of Secretary Sokrat Aman, arranged comprehensive visits to Lahore’s historic and cultural landmarks including the Walled City, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, and a traditional Lahori dinner at Haveli Restaurant. A business briefing was also conducted at Kallar Kahar Tourist Resort.
Punjab Minister for Commerce, Industry & Investment Chaudhry Shafay Hussain engaged closely with the delegation and assured full support for prospective investments in Punjab’s Special Economic Zones, including Faisalabad Industrial Estate and Quaid-e-Azam Business Park. The delegation later visited the SEZ facilities in Sheikhupura, where detailed briefings were provided by the management. Chinese investors expressed strong interest in potential investment opportunities over approximately 200 acres within the SEZ.
Upon returning to Islamabad, the delegation attended a detailed business session hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), attended by senior business leaders, former presidents, including Mr Zafar Bakhtawari SG UBG , General Abdul Qayyum Chief Patron , Sh Muhammad Nasir Ali Chairman , Brig Sultan Mahmood Satti Patron PCBF and leading Pakistani entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on future cooperation, investment facilitation, and long-term strategic partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese businesses.
Mr. Sheikh Ejaz Asghar briefed participants regarding the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to China, accompanied by Federal Ministers Jam Kamal Khan and Haroon Akhtar Khan. PCBF is coordinating efforts to ensure maximum participation from Chinese investors during the visit, which is expected to produce significant economic outcomes.
The delegation also held successful meetings with Fauji Foundation to explore potential joint ventures and business collaborations. Chinese representatives expressed strong confidence in the credibility and institutional capacity of Fauji Foundation.
A high-level meeting with the Director General of SIFC at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat focused on oil & gas cooperation, co-financing opportunities, and broader investment frameworks. The delegation appreciated SIFC’s proactive role in facilitating foreign investment and supporting Chinese enterprises operating in Pakistan.
Chinese companies are also working closely with FWO in various mining-related initiatives, with further strategic collaborations expected in the near future.
Overall, the visit was regarded as a major success for PCBF, particularly considering it was organized within a short period of two weeks. Building on this momentum, PCBF, in collaboration with the Ministry of IPC, is now planning another delegation of at least 50 Chinese tourists and investors within the next 30 days.
PCBF has also proposed closer institutional cooperation with ICCI to establish liaison offices in China aimed at attracting greater Chinese investment in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, promoting technology transfer, and increasing exports under the “Made in Pakistan” initiative.
The initiative reflects the growing confidence of Chinese investors in Pakistan’s economic potential and marks another significant step toward deepening Pakistan-China strategic and economic relations.
