Pakistan Invites Greater Chinese Investment in Infrastructure and Connectivity
Pakistan continued to strengthen its investment engagement with China as Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, met a high-level delegation from Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS) on the sidelines of the Pakistan–China Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference focused on the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biotechnology sectors in Islamabad.
The delegation was led by Xu Xiang, Chairman of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, and included Wang Zhenrong, Country Director, along with representatives of the Tabani Group. Senior officials from the Board of Investment also attended the meeting, which centered on expanding bilateral investment opportunities and strengthening long-term economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister expressed appreciation for their visit and highlighted Pakistan's enduring strategic partnership with China. He acknowledged the valuable role played by the Tabani Group in promoting business collaboration between the two countries and emphasized the growing scope of economic cooperation amid evolving regional trade and investment dynamics.
Representatives of Shandong Hi-Speed Group provided an overview of the company's global operations and investment portfolio. As one of China's leading state-owned infrastructure enterprises, the group manages assets exceeding RMB 1 trillion and operates across more than 100 countries. Its portfolio includes over 10,000 kilometers of expressways, nearly 3,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, and significant investments in infrastructure, energy, logistics and industrial development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegation also discussed its ongoing activities in Pakistan, including collaboration with Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) on a project in Hyderabad. Building on its experience in large-scale infrastructure development, SDHS expressed strong interest in exploring additional investment opportunities in Pakistan's transport, logistics and connectivity sectors.
Responding to the delegation's interest, the Minister described the current period as an ideal time for foreign investment in Pakistan, citing the country's youthful workforce, expanding economic potential and improving business climate. He emphasized the strategic value of developing Pakistan's ports, highways and regional connectivity corridors, particularly those linking China, Central Asia and neighboring markets.
Drawing on his own experience in the private sector, the Minister noted that joint ventures between Pakistani and Chinese companies could create sustainable and mutually beneficial economic growth. He also highlighted Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's commitment to facilitating foreign direct investment and strengthening economic partnerships with China.
The Minister further explained that the Board of Investment worked closely with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to successfully organize the Pakistan–China B2B Investment Conference, creating a platform to promote sector-specific investment opportunities and commercial collaboration.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to investors, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured the delegation that the BOI, in coordination with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), would provide comprehensive support throughout the investment process. He emphasized that ongoing policy reforms and institutional facilitation continue to make Pakistan an increasingly attractive destination for international investors.