Pakistan, China renew cooperation in energy, mineral sectors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China strengthened their “all-weather” strategic partnership, charting a renewed course of cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the Chinese Embassy here on Wednesday.

The discussion focused on deepening economic collaboration and supporting regional stability.

Malik formally invited Beijing to the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026, calling the mining sector a priority arena for future investment and a catalyst for Pakistan’s economic revival, says a press release.

“The mining sector offers immense space for expanded bilateral engagement,” Malik noted, acknowledging China’s steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent economic strain and reaffirming Islamabad’s principled stance in support of China’s sovereignty.

Ambassador Zaidong welcomed the invitation and affirmed China’s readiness to participate.

He highlighted mining as a central pillar of China-Pakistan cooperation, citing the active involvement of Chinese firms—including MCC and CNOC—in major projects such as Saindak and Siadak.

Zaidong also praised Pakistan’s ongoing reforms, describing them as essential steps towards sustainable growth. “China remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s development and contributing to the prosperity of its people,” he said. Both sides concluded the meeting with a shared resolve to translate their strategic partnership into meaningful investment and expanded cooperation across Pakistan’s evolving energy and mineral landscape.