A promotional event in Islamabad highlighted growing Pakistan-China economic ties and promoted participation in the China International Import Expo, with business leaders saying the expo offers a key opportunity to boost trade, showcase Pakistani brands and deepen cooperation under the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The event, held at a private hotel and organized by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), drew representatives from multiple sectors and members of the Chinese diplomatic and trade community. Speakers emphasized the importance of the upcoming China International Import Expo as a platform to expand bilateral trade and commercial partnerships.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Pakistan and China have built strong economic and trade relations, reflected in substantial increases in bilateral imports and exports. He noted that Pakistan’s exports to China are shifting toward higher value-added products and urged the business community to use the expo to raise the international profile of Pakistani brands.
Sheikh described Phase Two of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a rare opportunity to elevate cooperation between the two countries. He said the FPCCI is working to ensure robust Pakistani representation at the China International Import Expo so that local firms can capitalize on new business and investment opportunities.
Speakers also welcomed rising Chinese investment in Pakistan’s agriculture, renewable energy, health and infrastructure sectors, calling the trend encouraging for long-term development. At the same time, Sheikh expressed concern about security issues affecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan and urged attention to these matters to maintain investor confidence.
Other speakers at the event included Yang Guangying, Trade Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad; Zhao Bao, Deputy Director General of the China International Import Expo; and the chief commercial officer of ICBC. Each highlighted the expo’s role in promoting trade ties and facilitating business cooperation between Pakistan and China.
