KARACHI: Pakistan has invited Chinese manufacturers and investors to establish joint ventures and production facilities in the country, particularly in the sectors of dyes and chemicals, agro-chemicals, biotechnology, and industrial chemicals. This initiative aims to deepen bilateral trade and shift Pakistan-China economic cooperation towards joint industrial production.
According to Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA), Chairman Salim Valimuhammad extended this invitation while representing Pakistan at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and the IBI 99 Global Business Linkage Festival in Beijing. The event was also attended by Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, Senator Rana Mahmoodul-Hassan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, Muhammad Asif Khatri, and Muhammad Jawwad Iqbal.
Valimuhammad emphasized that the next phase of economic cooperation should focus on building industries together rather than relying on bilateral trade in finished products. He highlighted the connection between Pakistan's dyes and chemicals sector and the country's $20 billion textile, leather, and coatings exports, noting the significant import of dyes and chemicals from China. This, he said, illustrates the potential for Chinese companies to manufacture locally.
He invited Chinese companies to explore joint ventures in various chemical sectors, including textile dyes, environmentally compliant chemicals, crop-protection products, and specialty chemicals. Valimuhammad also pointed out opportunities in Pakistan's agriculture sector, particularly in local manufacturing of pesticide active ingredients, which are currently largely imported.
He further mentioned the potential for expansion in Pakistan's hydrogen peroxide industry and the increasing demand for coatings and adhesives due to growing construction and industrial activities. Valimuhammad assured that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) special economic zones, and other government initiatives are creating a more investor-friendly environment.
The PCDMA aims to facilitate joint ventures, manufacturing plants, technology-transfer partnerships, and investment linkages between Chinese companies and Pakistani businesses. The association has already signed a memorandum of understanding with SIEM and CCPIT at China InterDye 2026 in Shanghai, offering Chinese investors access to potential Pakistani partners and industrial buyers through its membership network.