Planning minister urges deeper China ties, focus on processing and industrial clusters
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal at the Pak–China Mineral Cooperation Forum. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s mineral exports could reach between $6 billion and $8 billion annually within this decade if the country focuses on value addition rather than raw extraction.
Addressing the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, Iqbal said Pakistan aims to move “decisively beyond extraction” by developing mineral processing plants, smelters and refining facilities. He said the country also wants to establish mineral-based industrial clusters linked with Special Economic Zones, according to Radio Pakistan.
The minister said transforming Pakistan’s mineral economy would not be possible without strategic partners, adding that China’s role was central in this effort.
“The future of Pakistan-China mineral cooperation lies in co-creating value through technology, innovation, human capital development and long-term partnerships,” he said.
Read: Copper exports to China cross $1.14b
With China as a trusted partner, Iqbal said Pakistan could turn its mineral wealth into industrial strength, export competitiveness and shared prosperity. He added that Islamabad was seeking joint ventures that would serve not only domestic needs but also regional and global markets.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Chinese nationals and investments, Iqbal said security and safety remained a top national priority. He said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was focused on translating connectivity into productivity, and productivity into exports, jobs and sustainable growth.
He expressed hope that the next phase of CPEC would help Pakistan upgrade and modernise its agriculture, industry, technology and human resources, allowing the country to pursue export-led growth.
Speaking at the forum, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan, with China’s support, was positioning itself as a reliable and long-term partner in the global mineral supply chain.
He invited Chinese companies, service providers and equipment suppliers to deepen their engagement in Pakistan’s mineral sector and help build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Read More: Despite hurdles, US interest in Pakistan’s minerals growing
In 2025, Pakistan’s mineral exports to China recorded strong and diversified growth, reflecting closer industrial cooperation and rising demand from China’s manufacturing, infrastructure and green energy sectors.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs showed that copper and copper-based exports continued to expand, with copper and related articles rising to $1.14 billion. Copper ores and concentrates exceeded $11 million, underlining the metal’s importance for power grids, electronics and clean-energy technologies.
Aluminium ores and concentrates also saw a sharp increase, rising from $0.29 million to $14.16 million, a jump of more than 4,700%.
Other mineral categories also performed well. Iron ores and concentrates remained above $101 million, while manganese ores, lead ores and concentrates, natural calcium phosphates and industrial minerals such as vermiculite and perlite contributed to overall export growth.
These materials are widely used in China’s steelmaking, battery production, fertiliser industry and large-scale infrastructure projects.
