Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing, Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, highlighted the significant impact of mining cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his keynote speech at the 4th Asia Mining Innovation and Development Summit in Beijing. He emphasized Pakistan’s abundant mineral reserves, including 186 billion tons of coal, over 5 million tons of copper, 400 tons of gold in the Reko Diq mine, and 500 million tons of iron ore. Chaudhary pointed out that these resources position Pakistan as a key player in regional industrial growth, especially with CPEC 2.0’s focus on value addition and downstream processing. He also stressed the synergy between China’s advanced mining technologies and Pakistan’s resources, noting that the upgraded CPEC phase seeks to promote “mutually beneficial partnerships” aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Chaudhary referenced recent achievements such as the $2.3 billion railway project connecting mining areas to Gwadar Port, a part of CPEC Phase II aimed at increasing the port’s capacity to 2 million tons annually by 2030. He also mentioned flagship mining projects like the Saindak Copper-Gold Mine, operated by China’s MCC Group, and the Duddar Lead-Zinc Mine in Balochistan, which reached a peak production of 500,000 tons in 2019 under China Huaye Group. These projects, he said, represent “win-win collaboration” through job creation and technology transfer.
To facilitate investments, Chaudhary outlined Pakistan’s policy reforms including the National Minerals Harmonization Framework 2025, which provides tax benefits and faster licensing through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He emphasized that Pakistan aims to convert its mineral wealth into industrial growth and human development.
Shaikh Muhammad Shariq, Vice President of the National Bank of Pakistan, supported these views by highlighting the financial sector’s role in backing mining initiatives. He noted that CPEC-driven projects are opening new opportunities for sustainable financing, ensuring infrastructure and energy developments contribute to long-term economic stability.
The summit ended with a strong call for enhanced Sino-Pakistani cooperation, building on President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China in February 2025, which reaffirmed mining as a key strategic focus. Bilal Chaudhary concluded by saying, “Our iron-clad friendship will shine brighter through innovation and shared prosperity.”
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