Pakistan pavilion opens at CIFTIS 2026, eyes fresh China investment

Pakistan has opened a dedicated pavilion at the China International Fair for Trade in Services 2026 in Beijing, giving local firms a platform to meet Chinese companies, according to Mettis Link News. Ambassador Khalil Hashmi inaugurated the venue on Wednesday, stressing the administration's push to draw Chinese capital into 21 priority areas, as APP reported. Over 25 Pakistani firms are exhibiting at the fair, covering farming, power, infrastructure, services and medicine.

Hashmi said the embassy in Beijing and its four consulates across China organised six major business-to-business investment conferences covering agriculture, home appliances, IT and telecom, battery storage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare. These efforts have produced pledges worth around $22bn tied to more than 650 MOUs, and nearly 30% of those MOUs have moved into agreements, contracts or plants, with about $7bn already materialised.

Looking ahead, Hashmi said the focus would shift to deeper direct engagement between companies in the two countries. A Pakistan-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China is nearing formal establishment, and a Pakistan-China Commercial Center is being planned in Beijing's Fengtai District to support local businesses. A business conference on Friday during the fair will seek areas of cooperation, CEN reported, while Hashmi described the effort as a strong start that still needs much more work.