Chinese aerospace firm eyes up to $10bn investment in Pakistan

A Chinese aerospace company is exploring a potential $5–10 billion investment in Pakistan.

The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh with a high-level delegation of the Chinese company Aerospace Development Industry Investment Group Co., led by Lu Jinhai, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board.

According to a statement, the Chinese delegation briefed the minister on the global profile and operations of their company. They informed that Aerospace Development Industry Investment Group is an international investment group with an AAA corporate credit rating, engaged in strategic industrial investments in areas including advanced technologies, aerospace development, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, drone technologies, and energy projects.

“The delegation expressed keen interest in investing between $5 billion to $10 billion in Pakistan across multiple sectors, including mining and minerals, advanced technology industries, and industrial development,” read the statement.

The Chinese delegation also emphasised its interest in collaborating with Pakistan on skill development initiatives, highlighting its long-term vision of contributing to Pakistan’s economic development and technological advancement.

They further expressed their willingness to work with Pakistan to support the objectives of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative and enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh appreciated the interest shown by the Chinese company and welcomed their intention to invest in Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan greatly values its longstanding friendship with China, which is widely recognised as a relationship “higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans.”

The minister emphasised that Pakistan is keen to attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) and expects strong support from China in this regard.

He further informed the delegation that the Government of Pakistan is taking concrete steps to improve the investment climate. The Board of Investment is actively working on regulatory reforms to facilitate investors, promote ease of doing business and streamline business procedures.

Highlighting the existing economic framework between the two countries, the minister noted that Pakistan and China already have a Free Trade Agreement, and Pakistan is now focusing on increasing its value-added exports.

Sheikh also briefed the delegation on the incentives available for investors in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including exemption from income tax and sales tax on the import of machinery, along with other attractive incentives designed to promote industrial investment.

The Board of Investment reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating investors and providing all possible support to promote foreign investment in Pakistan.