ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik on Friday urged Chinese enterprises, particularly from Shaanxi province, to invest in energy and petroleum sectors.
Speaking at the China (Shaanxi)-Pakistan Conference for Economic and Trade Cooperation, held alongside the 8th Silk Road International Expo in Xi’an, he noted that top Pakistani companies in upstream, midstream, and downstream petroleum and coal are eager to collaborate with Shaanxi firms through investment, joint ventures, and technology transfer.
Dr. Malik said that this initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment, essential for enhancing infrastructure and energy production, which are vital for the country’s socioeconomic development. He highlighted the importance of deepening provincial-level cooperation and strengthening B2B linkages in sectors like mining, petroleum, energy, and technology.
The Minister described the expo as not just a platform for trade and investment but a celebration of the cooperative spirit that characterizes Pakistan-China relations. He reaffirmed that the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), represents more than just infrastructure projects; they are avenues for global peace, prosperity, and development.
Dr. Malik expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the Shaanxi provincial government for organizing the conference and for designating Pakistan as the Guest Country of Honor at the expo. He noted the significance of Xi’an and Shaanxi as the starting points of the ancient Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping.
He further stated that Pakistan’s participation in the expo follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Xi’an earlier this year. “Our long-standing friendship and strategic partnership are built on mutual trust, benefit, and support,” he remarked, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with China in energy, economy, investment, and trade.
The Minister underscored the central role of bilateral economic cooperation under CPEC in Pakistan’s growth strategy.
