Islamabad, January 28,2026: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday called for deepening China–Pakistan cooperation in the minerals sector through a full value-chain approach, stressing sustainable development, environmental protection and inclusive growth.
Addressing the China–Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum, Ambassador Jiang said the event marked the first mineral-focused bilateral platform between the two countries in recent years. He noted that the forum aims to elevate cooperation beyond exploration and mining to encompass the entire mineral value chain, including machinery and equipment, smelting and processing, as well as integration with trade, investment, logistics, finance, research and skills training.
He emphasised that future cooperation should be development-oriented, helping Pakistan establish upstream and downstream industrial chains, train skilled mining professionals, set up demonstration projects and ensure that mineral development contributes to local economic and social progress.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vast mineral potential, the ambassador said the country produces more than 100 million tonnes of ore annually, largely from small and medium-scale projects that face financial, technological and human resource constraints. He said Chinese enterprises are ready to increase investment and provide technological support to help Pakistan convert its resource advantages into sustainable economic gains, while ensuring mutual benefit and commercial viability.
Ambassador Jiang also underscored China’s commitment to green mining, urging companies to adopt environmentally responsible practices and ensure ecological protection throughout the mining lifecycle. Referring to the Duddar project as a successful example, he stressed the importance of environmental impact assessments, ecological restoration and scientific mining methods.
He further highlighted the need for local communities to directly benefit from mining activities. Citing projects under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including the Saindak Project, he noted that thousands of Pakistani professionals have been trained and local suppliers supported. He added that Chinese companies would be encouraged to allocate part of their revenues to local livelihood initiatives, balancing infrastructure development with improvements in health, education and skills training.
Referring to China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and Pakistan’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, Ambassador Jiang said aligning national development strategies and bilateral action plans would further strengthen cooperation. He expressed confidence that China–Pakistan relations would reach new heights as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to long-term, people-centric mineral cooperation and voiced optimism that enhanced collaboration would deliver shared prosperity and reinforce the enduring China–Pakistan friendship.
