ISLAMABAD: A record number of Chinese companies participated in the 4th Health, Engineering, and Minerals Show (HEMS) held in Lahore, marking a significant boost in bilateral economic cooperation between China and Pakistan.
According to the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, more than 200 Chinese firms joined this year’s event—double the participation from 2024—making the Chinese presence the largest foreign contingent at the exhibition.
The remarkable turnout is attributed to coordinated efforts by the Embassy and its consulates in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, aimed at deepening China’s commercial footprint in Pakistan’s expanding healthcare, engineering, and mining sectors.
During the three-day exhibition, over 150 Chinese companies participated in targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings. These interactions yielded 37 agreements, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs), letters of intent (LOIs), and formal contracts, cumulatively valued at over $435 million, as reported by Gwadar Pro.
Among the major agreements was a $60 million quartz stone export deal, which includes a $10 million investment component, and a $50 million commitment from a Chinese company to invest in the development of Pakistan’s mineral resources.
Additionally, a $45 million joint venture in the manufacturing of medical devices and an $80 million technology transfer agreement in the electric vehicle (EV) sector were signed, showcasing the depth and diversity of Chinese interest.
Beyond these headline agreements, Chinese firms also explored opportunities in sectors such as salt, copper, fluorite, gemstones, real estate, information technology, and branding of Pakistani products for international markets.
The event’s importance was further underscored by a high-level networking dinner hosted by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which brought together over 800 delegates from 50 countries. The Prime Minister personally acknowledged the active engagement of the Chinese delegation, praising the Ambassador of Pakistan in Beijing and his team for their role in facilitating what has become the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the event, the Ambassador held separate meetings with the Chinese Consul General in Lahore, as well as senior officials of the Punjab Government, including the Chief Secretary and the Additional Secretary of the Board of Investment (BOI). These meetings focused on easing investment processes and facilitating long-term partnerships in priority sectors.
The Ambassador also led a strategic roundtable session at the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT). This gathering included senior provincial officials representing the agriculture, healthcare, industry, and investment sectors. The session focused on expanding targeted B2B engagement strategies and strengthening Pakistan’s position as a regional investment hub.
In collaboration with Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Ltd., the Embassy also co-hosted an exclusive networking lunch, which brought together influential Chinese and Pakistani business leaders. Discussions centered on joint ventures and opportunities in the minerals, construction, and automotive sectors, with the objective of turning signed MoUs into tangible investments and projects.
The 4th HEMS thus concluded not only as a commercial success but also as a clear signal of deepening Sino-Pak economic integration, particularly in sectors aligned with Pakistan’s industrial and developmental priorities.
