ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani firm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company to establish a joint venture for manufacturing electric buses in Pakistan.
The MoU signing event was held here on Wednesday with Advisor to Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan as chief guest between Pakistan’s GUGO Motors and China’s Shengtang Group who signed the document which aimed at promoting technology transfer, develop local manufacturing capabilities and explore opportunities to produce export-ready vehicles under ‘Made in Pakistan’ banner.
The event was organised by the Pakistan–China Business Forum (PCBF) to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
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Addressing the gathering, Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan and China enjoyed a longstanding friendship founded on mutual trust, respect and shared interests. He emphasised that the next phase of bilateral cooperation must translate this historic relationship into tangible outcomes through industrial investment, technology transfer, manufacturing and export growth.
He said the government of Pakistan was committed to transform Pakistan’s economic potential into sustainable industrial development, productive employment and stronger exports. The government was committed to facilitating Chinese investors and strengthening business-to-business cooperation to convert investment interest into commercially viable projects.
The Ministry of Industries and Production reiterated its commitment to facilitating meaningful partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises, with a focus on moving discussions towards implementable projects that generate investment, promote local manufacturing, transfer technology and create sustainable employment. Further business meetings are planned during the delegation’s visit to Pakistan to advance prospective partnerships and strengthen long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Adviser highlighted the Ministry of Industries and Production’s role in coordinating with relevant ministries, institutions and the Chinese Embassy to facilitate visiting Chinese business delegations, arrange meetings with prospective Pakistani partners and provide logistical and institutional support during their engagements in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Haroon Akhtar said electric mobility offered significant opportunities for Pakistan to expand its manufacturing base, develop local supply chains and strengthen its position in emerging automotive technologies. He stressed that cooperation with Chinese companies could help Pakistan move towards higher-value production and create employment opportunities for its skilled workforce and young people.
He maintained that the government’s commitment to facilitating investment in Special Economic Zones, promoting technology transfer, providing applicable incentives and improving the business environment for investors.
He said predictable policies, streamlined regulations and effective institutional coordination were essential for attracting long-term productive investment.
The event was attended by a 14-member Chinese business delegation led by Wei Linzhuo, President of the PCBF Beijing Office. Organised by PCBF under the coordination of its Islamabad Chapter, led by Co-Chairman Sheikh Ejaz, the delegation is undertaking an 11-day business mission covering Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
The delegation is exploring potential partnerships across a broad range of sectors, including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, charging infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, trade centres, China Pavilions, electrical appliances, building materials, mineral equipment and pharmaceuticals.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed interest in strengthening direct engagement between Chinese investors and Pakistani businesses to identify new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026