Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing, Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, highlighted the transformative potential of mining cooperation within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his address at the 4th Asia Mining Innovation and Development Summit in Beijing.
Chaudhary emphasized Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, including 186 billion tons of coal, over 5 million tons of copper, 400 tons of gold at Reko Diq, and 500 million tons of iron ore. “These resources establish Pakistan as a key contributor to regional industrial advancement, particularly under CPEC 2.0, which emphasizes value-added industries and downstream processing,” he stated. He further noted that China’s cutting-edge mining technologies synergize with Pakistan’s resource base, enabling CPEC’s upgraded phase to cultivate “mutually beneficial partnerships” aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Referencing key infrastructure developments, Chaudhary cited the $2.3 billion railway project connecting mining zones to Gwadar Port—a Phase II initiative expected to boost the port’s annual capacity to 2 million tons by 2030. He also underscored flagship projects such as the Saindak Copper-Gold Mine, operated by China’s MCC Group, and the Duddar Lead-Zinc Mine in Balochistan, which reached a peak output of 500,000 tons in 2019 under China Huaye Group. These projects, he said, demonstrate “win-win partnerships” through employment opportunities and technological exchange.
To attract investment, Chaudhary outlined policy reforms such as the National Minerals Harmonization Framework 2025, which provides tax incentives and accelerated licensing via the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). “Our vision is to convert mineral wealth into industrial progress and societal development,” he affirmed.
Shaikh Muhammad Shariq, Vice President of the National Bank of Pakistan, reinforced these remarks, stating, “CPEC-driven initiatives are creating sustainable financing pathways, ensuring infrastructure and energy projects bolster long-term economic stability.”
The summit concluded with calls for strengthened Sino-Pakistani ties, building on President Asif Ali Zardari’s strategic discussions during his February 2025 visit to China, which reaffirmed mining as a bilateral priority. “Our unbreakable partnership will thrive through innovation and shared prosperity,” Chaudhary declared.
