Oil Minister invites Chinese investors

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Petroleum Minister Dr Musadik Malik on Friday invited Chinese companies, especially those from Shaanxi province, to invest in Pakistan’s energy and oil sectors.

In his opening speech at the China (Shaanxi)-Pakistan Conference on Economic and Trade Cooperation held on the sidelines of the 8th International Silk Road Expo in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, Malik said: “Leading Pakistani companies specializing in upstream, midstream and downstream oil and coal are seeking cooperation with Shaanxi companies through investment, joint venture and technology transfer,” the press release said.

The minister stressed that the invitation is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to attract foreign direct investment to strengthen infrastructure and energy production — areas crucial for the country’s socio-economic development.

Malik highlighted efforts to deepen provincial-level cooperation by strengthening business-to-business (B2B) ties in sectors such as mining, oil, energy and technology. He described the 8th Silk Road International Expo as more than a festival of trade and investment, calling it “a celebration of the spirit of cooperation that defines the relationship between Pakistan and China.”

He noted that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), are not mere infrastructure projects but platforms for peace, prosperity and global development.

The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to creating common growth, sustainable development and long-term friendship with China through win-win cooperation. He thanked the Chinese government and the Shaanxi provincial government for organizing the conference and inviting Pakistan as the Honorary Guest Country, as well as setting up the Pakistan Pavilion at the exhibition.

Malik also highlighted the historical significance of Xi’an and Shaanxi provinces as starting points of the ancient Silk Road and BRI, initiated by President Xi Jinping. He described Pakistan’s participation in the expo as a tangible continuation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Xi’an earlier this year.

“Our long-standing friendship and strategic partnership with China is based on mutual trust, benefits and support. We are committed to strengthening our iron-clad relations in energy, economy, investment, trade and other areas,” Malik said, highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations.

He also stressed the importance of bilateral economic cooperation, especially within the CPEC framework, which remains a key part of Pakistan’s economic growth strategy.