FCCI president calls for Chinese investment in truck assembly and manufacturing

FAISALABAD: President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Arif Ehsan Malik, has said that the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered the stage of industrial cooperation, under which the partnership between the two countries is shifting towards industrial development, technology transfer through joint ventures, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Addressing a Chinese trade delegation, he said that Faisalabad is one of Pakistan’s major industrial hubs and offers an ideal environment for the assembly of Chinese trucks. He observed that growing freight transportation requirements have further increased the importance of modern and cost-effective transport solutions.

He stressed the need to focus on local vehicle assembly and the manufacturing of auto parts to develop alternatives to expensive imports. However, he said that Chinese investment and a clear roadmap for future cooperation would be essential to achieve this objective.

Addressing FCCI members, Arif Ehsan Malik said that the Chinese delegation had visited Faisalabad to explore opportunities for truck assembly and assess the potential of the local market. He urged members to exchange business cards with the visiting delegates and remain in contact with focal person Salman Arif to obtain the necessary information for follow-up discussions and ensure that the meeting leads to concrete outcomes.

He assured the delegation that the Faisalabad Chamber would extend all possible cooperation in developing strong business linkages and facilitating investment.

Earlier, head of the Chinese delegation, Li Zhong, said that initially his company planned to import its trucks into Pakistan and provide after-sales services to customers. He added that if the initial experience proved successful, the company could consider establishing a local assembly plant in collaboration with Pakistani investors.

He also responded to various questions raised by participants. Muhammad Azhar Chaudhry, Azeem Randhawa, Sajid Qayyum, Hanain Hamid, Muhammad Tariq and other FCCI members took part in the question-and-answer session.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Saeed thanked the visiting guests. FCCI President Arif Ehsan Malik also presented a special commemorative collar pin to the head of the Chinese delegation in connection with the Chamber’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026