Pakistan, China discuss mineral cooperation, investment in Balochistan
Staff Report
QUETTA: An important virtual meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation in the mineral sector between Pakistan and China was held between the Balochistan Investment Board, the Pakistani Consulate Shanghai, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Discussions focused on increasing exports of minerals, particularly raw copper, from Balochistan to China, and attracting Chinese investment to the region.
The meeting was attended by Balochistan Investment Board Chief Executive Officer Abdul Kabir Khan Zarkoon, Consul General Shahzad Ahmed Khan, and TDAP representative Muhammad Yousuf. Participants emphasized the critical need to move beyond raw mineral exports and promote value addition and local processing to enhance mineral development and exports. Pakistan currently exports approximately $1.2 billion worth of raw copper to China annually.
The immense investment potential in Balochistan’s vast and valuable mineral resources, including copper, gold, and other minerals, was highlighted. Abdul Kabir Zarkoon stated that Balochistan is Pakistan’s mineral hub, and its natural resources possess significant potential to transform the country’s economy. He affirmed the Balochistan government’s commitment to industrial development in the mineral sector, noting that promoting local processing would generate employment opportunities and ensure long-term profits for foreign investors. He added that the Balochistan Investment Board is prepared to offer policy support, facilities, and investment protection to foreign companies, especially those interested in the mineral value chain. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani Consulate Shanghai and TDAP for their crucial role in facilitating connections with Chinese markets for Balochistan’s mineral development. Pakistan, China discuss mineral cooperation, investment in Balochistan
Staff Report
Quetta: An important virtual meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation in the mineral sector between Pakistan and China was held between the Balochistan Investment Board, the Pakistani Consulate Shanghai, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Discussions focused on increasing exports of minerals, particularly raw copper, from Balochistan to China, and attracting Chinese investment to the region.
The meeting was attended by Balochistan Investment Board Chief Executive Officer Abdul Kabir Khan Zarkoon, Consul General Shahzad Ahmed Khan, and TDAP representative Muhammad Yousuf. Participants emphasized the critical need to move beyond raw mineral exports and promote value addition and local processing to enhance mineral development and exports. Pakistan currently exports approximately $1.2 billion worth of raw copper to China annually.
The immense investment potential in Balochistan’s vast and valuable mineral resources, including copper, gold, and other minerals, was highlighted. Abdul Kabir Zarkoon stated that Balochistan is Pakistan’s mineral hub, and its natural resources possess significant potential to transform the country’s economy. He affirmed the Balochistan government’s commitment to industrial development in the mineral sector, noting that promoting local processing would generate employment opportunities and ensure long-term profits for foreign investors. He added that the Balochistan Investment Board is prepared to offer policy support, facilities, and investment protection to foreign companies, especially those interested in the mineral value chain. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani Consulate Shanghai and TDAP for their crucial role in facilitating connections with Chinese markets for Balochistan’s mineral development.
