LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ali Hussam Asghar has called for shifting Pakistan’s mineral sector from raw material exports to local processing and value addition, saying the development of a complete mineral value chain could boost industrialisation, attract foreign investment and strengthen exports.
In a statement on Saturday, he welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to make Pakistan one of the world’s major economies by 2050, and said the country’s vast mineral resources offered enormous opportunities for sustainable economic growth and industrial development.
He said establishing local processing plants, refineries and downstream manufacturing facilities would generate employment, reduce import dependence and increase export earnings. Manufacturing copper cables, electrical conductors, refined metals and engineering products locally could further strengthen the industrial base.
Referring to projects such as Reko Diq, he said these could act as catalysts for developing supporting industries and attracting investment in mineral processing.
He appreciated Field Marshal Asim Munir’s assurance of comprehensive security for mineral-sector investors, stressing that policy consistency, investor confidence and institutional coordination were essential for attracting international investment.
He urged the government to facilitate private-sector participation through investor-friendly policies, simplified regulations, tax incentives and public-private partnerships. He also emphasised modern mining practices, environmental standards and infrastructure development, saying mineral-rich communities should benefit through employment, training and improved living standards.
Ali Hussam further said the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 offered an important platform to attract international partnerships and investment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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