ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday proposed the establishment of a new industrial estate in the federal capital and called for an enhanced China-Pakistan industrial cooperation through joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment in manufacturing.
ICCI President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia said this while talking to a 13-member delegation of the Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF), led by Lt General (R) Abdul Qayyum, Chief Patron, and Sheikh Ejaz Asghar, Co-Chairman.
The ICCI president emphasized that industrialization is vital to Pakistan’s sustainable economic growth, export development and job creation.
He proposed compiling a comprehensive directory of Chinese companies and their products, establishing a product and technology display centre at ICCI, and setting up a dedicated facilitation desk for Chinese businesses in Islamabad.
Highlighting the need for modern industrial infrastructure, Zia said he was advocating the establishment of a new industrial estate in Islamabad, potentially spanning 8,000 acres or more, with Chinese companies invited to participate in its development. He said the proposed estate could attract investment in manufacturing, electric vehicles and other emerging industries, while Chinese expertise could support infrastructure development, modern waste management, recycling and waste-to-energy projects.
The ICCI President also proposed organizing a major Pakistan-China Expo in Islamabad in March 2027 ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) engagements to showcase products, promote investment opportunities and facilitate direct business-to-business connections. He said sustained cooperation, effective institutional facilitation and practical engagement were essential to transforming the longstanding friendship between the two countries into mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.
Sheikh Ejaz Asghar also Chairman of Voltrix Batteries said that the group was keen to invest in the proposed Islamabad Industrial Estate and collaborate on developing a state-of-the-art expo facility to showcase products from both countries. He said the PCBF was ready to enter into joint venture agreements with Pakistani businesses.
Highlighting plans to bring an electric bus project to Pakistan, he outlined opportunities in electric vehicles, electrical equipment, manufacturing, trade and distribution, as well as localized production and technical training. He said the group was seeking reliable Pakistani partners, sales channels and industrial facilities to establish long-term business operations.
Lt. General (R) Abdul Qayyum highlighted the group’s initiatives to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and China. Wei Linzhuo , President of PCBF Beijing, Yuan Bangxiang Chairman Shengtang EV Bus also participated in the engagement, while former ICCI presidents Mian Akram Faridand Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral business ties through investment, joint ventures and sustained private-sector collaboration.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026