Pak, Sino discuss trade expansion, industrial Cooperation, agriculture modernization

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2026) Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday held a detailed and wide-ranging meeting with Chinese Minister Counsellor Mr. Yang Guangyuan to discuss strengthening bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, agriculture modernization, logistics connectivity and supply chain resilience.

The meeting reflected the deep-rooted friendship and enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding practical economic cooperation across multiple sectors, said a release issued here.

Both sides negotiated on emerging investment opportunities under the broader framework of Pakistan-China strategic economic partnership

During the discussion, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the evolving global trade environment, noting that recent geopolitical developments, supply chain disruptions, and changing logistics dynamics have reinforced the importance of resilient regional trade corridors and diversified industrial cooperation.

He observed that disruptions in global shipping routes and supply chains have prompted businesses worldwide to reassess production and logistics strategies, creating fresh opportunities for countries with a strategic geographic advantage.

The Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s location positions it as a natural gateway connecting China, Central Asia, the middle East, and emerging markets, making it a strategically important partner for regional trade and manufacturing collaboration.

A major focus of the discussion remained Pakistan-China industrial cooperation, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, battery manufacturing, and advanced industrial technologies. Jam Kamal Khan noted that Chinese automotive brands have already established a growing presence in Pakistan through assembly operations, while the next phase should focus on deeper industrial collaboration, localization, technology transfer, and joint ventures in EV manufacturing and related components.

He said Pakistan’s auto sector has developed a domestic vendor ecosystem over time, but EV technology presents an opportunity to create entirely new industrial capabilities, including batteries, electric motors, electronics, and advanced component manufacturing.

The Minister stressed that Pakistan offers not only a growing domestic market but also significant export potential for regional and African markets.

The Chinese side appreciated Pakistan’s interest in expanding industrial cooperation and acknowledged the strong participation of Pakistani companies in ongoing business engagements, particularly in emerging sectors such as IT, EVs, energy technologies, and manufacturing.

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Agriculture cooperation also featured prominently in the meeting. Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that changing weather patterns, fertilizer supply disruptions, food security concerns, and growing populations have made agricultural modernization an urgent global priority.

He said Pakistan and China can significantly benefit from closer cooperation in mechanized farming, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural technology transfer, and value-added food processing.

The Minister particularly highlighted the agricultural potential of Balochistan, noting that drought-resistant crops such as olives, pistachios, almonds, dates, and pine nuts offer sustainable economic opportunities suited to the region’s natural climate. He stressed the importance of shifting focus toward sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture rather than water-intensive cultivation models in vulnerable regions.

Referring to value addition, the Minister noted the growing potential of processed agricultural products, particularly date-based products including syrups, oils, sweets, and speciality food products, which can generate export growth and rural livelihoods.

The meeting also explored community-focused development cooperation, including water security solutions, renewable energy applications, solar-powered community infrastructure, women’s vocational empowerment, and rural welfare initiatives. Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that sustainable social development projects must incorporate strong maintenance mechanisms, institutional ownership, and community participation to ensure long-term effectiveness.

Discussions also covered Pakistan’s logistics infrastructure and strategic connectivity, particularly Gwadar’s emerging role as a regional trade hub. The Minister observed that Gwadar’s commercial viability will strengthen further through industrial development, two-way cargo movement, regional connectivity, and export-oriented economic activity.

Both sides agreed that evolving global economic conditions have created new opportunities for Pakistan-China cooperation in trade, manufacturing, supply chain resilience, clean energy, agriculture, and regional logistics.

In a cordial exchange, both sides also acknowledged the broader strength of Pakistan-China people-to-people ties and the importance of sustained institutional dialogue in advancing the shared vision of deeper economic partnership.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China through practical, investment-oriented, and forward-looking economic engagement.