ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has called for increased industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan through joint ventures, technology transfer, and manufacturing investment, stressing that industrialization is essential to Pakistan’s export growth, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
According to a press release, he stated these opinions while speaking to a 13-person delegation of the Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF), which is headed by Sheik Ejaz Asghar, Co-Chairman, and Lt. General (R) Abdul Qayyum, Chief Patron.
He stressed that consistent follow-up, effective business matchmaking and a clear understanding of mutual commercial interests were essential to translating bilateral engagements into tangible economic outcomes.
He proposed compiling a comprehensive directory of Chinese companies and their products, establishing a product and technology display centre at ICCI, and setting up a dedicated facilitation desk for Chinese businesses in Islamabad.
He emphasized that Islamabad’s strategic location and proximity to government institutions made it an attractive destination for investment.
The ICCI President also proposed organizing a major Pakistan-China Expo in Islamabad in March 2027 ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) engagements to showcase products, promote investment opportunities and facilitate direct business-to-business connections.
Introducing the delegation, Sheikh Ejaz Asghar also Chairman of VOLTRIX BATTERIES who has been playing a key role for further promoting two countries partnerships since last 30 years said the group was keen to invest in the proposed Islamabad Industrial Estate and collaborate on developing a state-of-the-art expo facility to showcase products from both countries
He said the delegation was ready to enter into joint venture agreements with Pakistani businesses.
Highlighting plans to bring an electric bus project to Pakistan, he outlined opportunities in electric vehicles, electrical equipment, manufacturing, trade and distribution, as well as localized production and technical training.
In order to build long-term business operations, he said the organization was looking for trustworthy Pakistani partners, sales channels, and industrial facilities.
Lt. General (R) Abdul Qayyum had earlier emphasized the group’s efforts to improve economic ties between China and Pakistan. Former ICCI presidents Mian Akram Farid and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi stressed the significance of developing bilateral business ties through investment, joint ventures, and ongoing private-sector collaboration. Wei Linzhuo, President of PCBF Beijing, and Yuan Bangxiang Chairman Shengtang EV Bus also attended the engagement.