Chinese firms invited to join Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Wednesday invited Chinese companies to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026, scheduled to take place on April 8 and 9, as part of efforts to expand cooperation in the mining and minerals sector.

Addressing the Pakistan-China Minerals Cooperation Forum, the minister formally called on Chinese companies and delegates to attend the forum, encouraging participation through a dedicated country pavilion to showcase mining technologies, equipment and capabilities. He said the event would provide a structured platform for engagement with policymakers, regulators and project sponsors.

The minister acknowledged the role of Chinese institutions, including the Chinese Chamber and Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), in supporting bilateral engagement and contributing to the success of the forum.

Referring to long-standing Pakistan-China cooperation, he said Chinese investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor had played a significant role in expanding Pakistan’s power generation capacity through multiple energy projects. He added that collaboration had also extended to mass transit systems, road infrastructure and electric mobility initiatives.

Malik noted that China had emerged as a leading global player in rare earth elements and key metals, including antimony, while maintaining a strong position in copper smelting and refining. He said China’s experience offered useful lessons for emerging mineral economies such as Pakistan.

He highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the Chinese Geological Survey since 2010, under which nationwide geochemical sampling helped identify mineralised zones and guide exploration efforts. He said Pakistan was now moving towards higher-resolution surveys and integrated geoscientific programmes to support systematic development of mineral resources.

The minister said rising domestic investor participation in mining reflected improving confidence in the business environment, with Pakistani firms increasingly entering partnerships with international companies. He added that recent discoveries had created opportunities for Chinese mining companies, service providers and equipment suppliers.

He said the government was committed to policy stability, streamlined approvals and coordinated facilitation for mining investment, including closer federal-provincial coordination and institutional support.

As global demand for copper and other critical minerals increases, Malik said Pakistan, with China’s engagement, aims to position itself as a long-term participant in global mineral supply chains.