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China-Pakistan Economic Ties
CategoriesNews Economy Investment

China-Pakistan Economic Ties Deepen with Proposed $10B Aerospace Investment

ISLAMABAD: A Chinese aerospace investment group is considering a major investment between $5 billion and $10 billion in Pakistan, signaling growing international interest in the country’s industrial and technology sectors. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between the Federal Minister for Investment and the Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and a delegation from China’s Aerospace Development Industry Investment Group Co.

The delegation was led by the company’s chairman, Lu Jinhai, who expressed the group’s interest in exploring large-scale investment opportunities across several key sectors of Pakistan’s economy. According to officials, the potential investment could cover areas such as mining and mineral development, advanced technology industries, and broader industrial expansion.

Government representatives highlighted Pakistan’s strategic advantages as an investment destination, emphasizing its geographic position connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Officials also noted the country’s large domestic market of more than 240 million people and a young, growing workforce capable of supporting technology-driven industries.

During the meeting, both sides also discussed opportunities for collaboration in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, drone technology, and renewable energy projects. Such investments, if finalized, could significantly contribute to Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its industrial base and strengthen its technological capabilities.

These programs would aim to train local workers and engineers in advanced technologies, helping build a more skilled workforce to support future industrial growth. The potential investment is also seen as aligning with broader regional economic initiatives, particularly those connected to China’s Belt and Road framework, which aims to expand infrastructure, trade, and connectivity across Asia and beyond.

Officials stated that discussions are still in early stages, but if realized, the proposed investment could mark one of the largest foreign commitments to Pakistan’s industrial and technology sectors in recent years, strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

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CategoriesNews Investment

Mobilink Bank, SEDF Launch Rs1 Billion Financing Initiative for SMEs in Sindh

KARACHI: Mobilink Bank has signed a five-year partnership agreement with the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) to improve access to financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Sindh.

Under the arrangement, the collaboration will make up to Rs1 billion available to support businesses operating in priority economic sectors in the province. The initiative combines Mobilink Bank’s lending services with SEDF’s markup subsidy programme to help lower the cost of borrowing for entrepreneurs.

The financing facility will target a range of sectors, including agriculture value chains, livestock and dairy, poultry, fisheries, cold storage and logistics, renewable and alternative energy, mining and mineral processing, and innovation-driven information technology projects. The programme will also extend support to women-led enterprises.

Mobilink Bank will offer short-, medium-, and long-term financing options to eligible MSMEs. SEDF will provide a markup subsidy of up to one-year KIBOR or 10 percent, whichever is lower. The subsidy will initially apply for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension based on the programme’s performance.

Individual projects will be eligible to receive financing of up to Rs5 million, with flexibility for higher allocations in cases involving innovative business models.

Officials stated that the initiative is intended to strengthen financial access for small businesses and encourage economic activity across Sindh’s value-added industries. The partnership also reflects broader efforts to improve coordination between financial institutions and public sector programmes aimed at supporting enterprise development in the province.

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CategoriesNews Economy Investment

PSX Trading Suspended After KSE-100 Falls Over 15,000 Points

KARACHI: Trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was suspended for one hour on Monday after the benchmark KSE-100 index recorded a sharp decline of more than 15,000 points during intra-day trading.

According to market figures, the KSE-100 index dropped by 15,071.01 points, bringing it down to 152,991.15 points from the previous closing level of 168,062.16 points. The decrease represents a decline of 8.97 percent. Trading was halted temporarily in accordance with market regulations to manage volatility and prevent further losses.

The market downturn occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which affected global financial markets.

In international energy markets, Brent crude oil prices rose approximately 10 percent in over-the-counter trading on Sunday, reaching around $80 per barrel. Prior to this increase, Brent had closed at $73 per barrel on Friday, marking its highest level since July. Analysts indicated that continued developments in the Middle East could influence further price movements in global oil markets.

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CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan Moves to Revive Roosevelt Hotel with $5 Billion Investment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is aiming to secure up to $5 billion in investment to redevelop the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, as part of efforts to maximize returns from one of its most valuable international properties.

Government officials indicate that a financial adviser will soon be appointed to design the investment structure and engage potential global partners for the redevelopment initiative. The Roosevelt Hotel, located in Manhattan’s Midtown district and owned by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has been closed since 2020 due to prolonged financial challenges during the pandemic.

Built in 1924, the landmark property is located in a globally significant commercial area. Authorities are exploring plans to convert the site into a large-scale mixed-use or high-rise development through a joint venture. Under this model, Pakistan would retain ownership of the land while private investors would contribute the required capital.

The move follows a cooperation framework agreed between Pakistan and the United States to support the redevelopment process and help navigate regulatory and zoning procedures in New York. Officials consider the project an important component of broader reforms aimed at restructuring state-owned assets, attracting foreign direct investment, and expanding economic collaboration between the two countries.

The proposed redevelopment aligns with Pakistan’s wider economic reform agenda and ongoing financial stabilization efforts. Analysts believe that, if executed effectively, the project could substantially increase the property’s market value and generate sustainable long-term revenue.

Despite optimism, observers note that the initiative’s outcome will depend on investor participation, clear financial planning, and efficient execution, as several key financing and timeline details remain under discussion.

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CategoriesNews Economy Investment Trade

Pakistan, Canada Review Trade and Investment Cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada have reviewed the status of bilateral trade and investment cooperation during a telephonic conversation between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. The discussion focused on strengthening economic engagement and expanding collaboration across multiple sectors.

Both sides acknowledged ongoing trade ties and discussed measures to enhance market access and facilitate smoother commercial exchanges. Canadian authorities appreciated Pakistan’s support in enabling the resumption of canola shipments, describing it as a positive development for agricultural trade between the two countries.

The dialogue also explored opportunities to diversify trade beyond traditional areas. Pakistan highlighted its export capabilities in textiles and apparel, leather goods, agro-based products, surgical instruments, sports goods, paper, plastics, and footwear. The country’s growing capacity in value-added food processing and higher-value manufacturing segments was also outlined.

Investment prospects were discussed, particularly in the minerals and mining sector, which Pakistan identified as a priority area for industrial development. Canadian firms were encouraged to explore potential ventures in this field as part of broader economic cooperation.

Officials from both countries agreed to continue engagement at technical and policy levels to identify priority areas and address trade-related matters. The interaction reflects ongoing efforts by Islamabad and Ottawa to expand bilateral economic relations and explore new avenues for collaboration in trade and investment.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials, including representatives from diplomatic and trade missions, as part of continued dialogue between the two governments on economic cooperation.

CategoriesNews Entertainment Investment Tourism

Basant Generates Significant Short-Term Economic Activity in Lahore

LAHORE: City’s long-awaited Basant revival has triggered a remarkable surge in commercial activity, with kite and string sales surpassing Rs1.5 billion within the first five days of trading.

According to the Kite Flying Association, daily trade volumes climbed steadily from Rs160 million on the first day to Rs180 million on the second and Rs200 million on the third, before jumping sharply to Rs680 million on the fourth day alone. By the fifth day, cumulative sales had crossed Rs1.5 billion, reflecting strong consumer demand ahead of the festival’s official start on February 6.

On the fourth trading day, more than one million kites were sold in Lahore, alongside over 20,000 spools of string (pinna). Despite rising prices, demand remained resilient. A one-and-a-half tawa kite was priced at Rs700, a one tawa kite at Rs400, and a pauna tawa kite at Rs300. Two-piece string spools ranged between Rs12,000 and Rs15,000, depending on quality and length.

Traditional commercial hubs such as Mochi Gate, Islampura, Samanabad, Delhi Gate, Shah Alam Market, and Anarkali reported heavy footfall, while Liberty Chowk emerged as a prominent focal point of public celebrations. Markets remained active late into the night as buyers stocked up on kites, spools, and decorations.

The festival’s revival has extended beyond rooftops into public spaces, marked by fireworks displays, decorative installations, and large gatherings across the city. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Liberty Chowk and Mochi Gate, affirming that safety rods for motorcycles would be mandatory during Basant, though motorcycles themselves would not be banned.

After nearly 25 years, Basant’s return has not only revived a cultural tradition but also generated substantial economic momentum across Lahore’s retail and informal sectors.

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Pakistan–Uzbekistan Economic Ties
CategoriesNews Developments Economy Investment Trade

$3.4bn Agreements Boost Pakistan-Uzbekistan Economic Ties, $2bn Trade Target

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed Business-to-Business (B2B) agreements worth $3.4 billion at the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Business Forum in Islamabad, marking a major step forward in bilateral economic cooperation.

The forum was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visiting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a two-day state visit to Pakistan. Addressing business leaders and ministers from both sides, Prime Minister Sharif invited Uzbek firms to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s textile, pharmaceutical, mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.

The private-sector agreements span multiple industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, engineering goods, and agriculture. Both leaders assured investors of a conducive business environment and pledged zero tolerance for corruption and bureaucratic hurdles. Prime Minister Sharif described himself as the “CEO of Pakistan” for the forum and assured business leaders that any bottlenecks would be removed promptly.

The two countries also signed a protocol to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years. Both sides termed the target “ambitious yet achievable,” emphasizing that structured programs and policy frameworks are already in place to facilitate growth. Uzbekistan offered 10-year tax exemptions and support to Pakistani pharmaceutical companies and invited Pakistani expertise to manage approximately 30 high-tech textile enterprises.

Connectivity remained a central focus during the visit. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project and endorsed the Termiz–Kharlachi route, recognizing its importance for regional integration and trade expansion.

In addition, the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation against corruption. Later, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan upon President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

The visit underscored a shared commitment to deepening strategic partnership and expanding economic collaboration between the two countries.

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CategoriesNews Economy Investment

SBP Completes Redesign of Banknotes with Enhanced Security Features

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has completed the development of new banknote designs incorporating updated security elements and has submitted them to the federal cabinet for formal approval. The progress was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue.

According to SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, the proposed designs have already been cleared by the central bank’s board. He informed lawmakers that the printing process will commence once the cabinet grants its approval. The introduction of the new notes into circulation will take place gradually, beginning after sufficient stock has been produced to replace existing notes.

The redesign initiative is intended to strengthen safeguards against counterfeiting and modernise Pakistan’s currency framework. Officials indicated that more than one denomination may be printed at the same time; however, no details were provided regarding which notes will be released first.

At present, currency denominations in circulation include Rs10, Rs20, Rs50, Rs75, Rs100, Rs500, Rs1,000 and Rs5,000. The committee session, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, also addressed matters related to financial oversight and regulatory administration.

In a separate development, the SBP’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 10.5 percent in its first meeting of 2026. The rollout of the redesigned currency will proceed once the necessary approvals are completed and production benchmarks are achieved.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Economy Investment Urban Developments & Planning

Balochistan Government Establishing Business Facilitation Centre in Gwadar

GWADAR: The Balochistan government is in the process of setting up a Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) in Gwadar to provide administrative and regulatory services to the business community. The facility is expected to become operational in the near future.

The centre will operate as a one-window platform, bringing together representatives from various government departments to process applications and approvals required for business activities. Services to be offered include the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs), licenses, permits, and other regulatory clearances needed to initiate or expand commercial operations.

A digital coordination system is being introduced to connect relevant departments and support the processing of applications. Business Facilitation Officers will be stationed at the centre to assist applicants and manage documentation and procedural requirements.

The initiative is part of ongoing administrative measures aimed at improving service delivery for investors and businesses operating in Gwadar. The centre is intended to centralise procedures that are currently handled by multiple offices.

The decision to establish the facility was discussed during meetings between representatives of the business community and provincial authorities responsible for investment and trade. The Business Facilitation Centre will function as a dedicated point of contact for investors seeking regulatory approvals related to business operations in Gwadar.

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Industrialists Welcome PM’s Relief Package
CategoriesNews Economy Investment

Industrialists Welcome PM’s Relief Package as FBR Demands Raise Concerns

KARACHI: Business leaders across Pakistan have welcomed the relief package announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling it a timely intervention to ease mounting cost pressures on industry and exporters. However, foreign investors have simultaneously raised concerns over fresh tax demands issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The prime minister’s package includes a reduction of Rs4.04 per unit in electricity tariffs for industry, lower wheeling charges, and a cut in the export refinance scheme rate from 7.5% to 4.5%. Exporters will also receive “blue passports” to facilitate international business travel.

While domestic industry leaders described the measures as bold and supportive, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) urged authorities to show flexibility on tax compliance deadlines. Its chief executive, M. Abdul Aleem, suggested that outstanding super tax demands be adjusted against pending tax refunds before requiring additional payments, calling for a more business-friendly approach.

Export associations echoed the positive sentiment. Representatives of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association said the energy and financing relief would help struggling exporters remain competitive amid high global cost pressures and liquidity constraints.

Similarly, the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry noted that lower power tariffs and cheaper financing could stimulate production, revive industrial activity, and support export growth.

Despite fiscal challenges, the relief package has been widely viewed as a step toward stabilizing industry, though tax policy uncertainties continue to weigh on investor confidence.

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