Pakistan-China B2B event faces low Chinese confirmations ahead of PM visit

Preparations for the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China are underway, but the Board of Investment (BoI) has raised concerns over the limited number of Chinese companies confirmed for a planned Pakistan-China B2B event. 

Business Recorder reported, citing BoI sources, that local firms are reportedly considering withdrawal if they cannot meet at least 4–5 Chinese counterparts. 

At a meeting chaired by the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, officials from the Pakistan Embassy in China stated that 286 companies from both countries are expected to participate, and 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have already been received.

They also informed participants that WeChat groups are being created for sector-specific interactions. In coordination with the BoI, two interactive sessions covering five sectors each will include briefings and Q&A segments. The BoI has been tasked with preparing an information pack for the Pakistani delegation.

The China World Hotel in Beijing has been confirmed as the venue, with each Pakistani company allocated a separate booth. Chinese firms will visit these booths according to a pre-determined schedule, and a physical layout of the venue will be shared with participants to assist in booth preparation. 

Provincial investment departments have been instructed to participate, with representatives of SECP, SBP, FBR, and provinces assigned to attend at designated senior levels.

Travel logistics were also discussed. While PIA operates limited aircraft, a special Airbus A320 flight will be arranged for the delegation, with further plans to operate a Boeing 777 for additional participants. 

The BoI will establish five Business Facilitation Centres in SEZs and a 24/7 call centre for investor support. A single booth staffed with trained representatives and Chinese language interpreters will provide technical assistance during the event.

Other measures include formalising a coal gasification project with Chinese partners, producing high-quality videos of SEZ facilities in Chinese, and developing sector-specific investment models in agriculture, industrial relocation, KKH upgradation, ML-1 financing, IT/ITeS and AI training, and SEZ readiness. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research will present agriculture sector opportunities, including matching Pakistani counterparts with Chinese proposals.

Separately, the Ministry of Interior has been directed to submit a Cabinet summary on visa reforms for approval ahead of the visit.