## Chinese Investment Delegation Explores Housing and Urban Development Opportunities in Pakistan

A delegation of Chinese business executives is currently visiting Pakistan to assess potential investment avenues within the nation’s housing and urban development sector, emphasizing modern building technologies. The group, headed by Yao Yu, Chief Executive Officer of DongKai International Investment, held discussions on Monday with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Housing, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada. Their meeting centered on technology transfer and collaborative project opportunities, according to officials.

During the session, the delegation showcased their specialized capabilities in prefabricated and modular construction techniques. These methods, involving factory-produced building components assembled on-site, have been extensively utilized in China to address rapid urbanization and manage construction expenses effectively. Yao Yu additionally proposed the establishment of a major commercial center in Pakistan, modeled after Dubai’s "Dragon Mart,” intended to function as a consolidated trade nexus for Chinese and Pakistani enterprises.

"This initiative would not only strengthen economic cooperation but also generate employment and invigorate local commerce,” stated Yao Yu. These deliberations align with a wider pattern of Chinese firms developing housing and smart city ventures in nations such as Malaysia and Kenya under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The delegation pinpointed Gwadar, Islamabad, and Karachi as prospective locations for comparable developments.

Minister Pirzada welcomed the presented proposals, underscoring Pakistan’s pressing requirement for affordable housing solutions amidst its expanding urban populace. He highlighted the perceived value of prefabricated systems for their potential to expedite construction and enhance cost-efficiency within public housing programs. Representatives from two key government bodies, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and the Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF), also presented specific investment prospects and partnership frameworks available across various regions, ranging from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting culminated with both parties consenting to sustain dialogue aimed at transforming the proposed concepts into tangible projects, as confirmed by a statement issued by the housing ministry.