Chinese group to invest in infrastructure

Eyes transport, logistics and connectivity projects in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh held a meeting with a delegation of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, led by its Chairman Xu Xiang, along with Wang Zhenrong, Country Director, and representatives of the Tabani Group.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biotechnology sector.

The minister highlighted the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two countries and the expanding scope of economic cooperation under the evolving regional dynamics.

The delegation provided a comprehensive briefing on their global portfolio. As one of China's leading state-owned infrastructure and investment enterprises, the Shandong Hi-Speed Group manages assets exceeding RMB 1 trillion, with operations spanning over 100 countries. The group operates an extensive transportation network, including more than 10,000 kilometres of expressways and around 3,000 km of high-speed rail, and has major investments in infrastructure, energy, logistics, and industrial development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The delegation shared details of their ongoing engagements in Pakistan, particularly in the oil and gas sector, including a recent project in Hyderabad in collaboration with Oil and Gas Development Company. While highlighting their expertise as a major infrastructure company, they expressed strong interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan's infrastructure sector, including transport, logistics and connectivity projects.

Welcoming their interest, the minister stated that it was the most opportune time to invest in Pakistan, citing the country's young population, vast economic potential and improving business environment. He underscored the strategic importance of infrastructure development in Pakistan, including its ports, road networks and connectivity corridors linking China and Central Asia. The minister emphasised that joint ventures between Pakistani and Chinese companies offered a highly effective pathway for sustainable and mutually beneficial growth. He noted that the Board of Investment fully collaborated with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in organising the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference to promote sector-specific partnerships and investment opportunities.

He assured the delegation that BOI, along with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, would provide full facilitation and support to investors at every stage. The minister reiterated that Pakistan offered a conducive environment for foreign investment, backed by policy reforms and institutional support mechanisms.