By Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, Apr 17 (China Economic Net) - A high-level cooperation forum aimed at supporting Chinese private enterprises to expand into South Asia and Central Asia was held on Friday at the IBI Guolian Gufan Digital Economy Headquarters in Beijing, highlighting Pakistan's growing role as a strategic investment destination.

The event, titled "Face-to-Face Going Global Beijing Enterprises Going Global", brought together government representatives, industry leaders and institutional stakeholders to explore practical pathways for cross-border industrial cooperation.

During the forum, IBI Guolian Gufan Founder Qian Xiaojun announced plans to establish the company's regional headquarters in Pakistan, marking a significant step in strengthening industrial and digital economic collaboration. He noted that the upcoming launch in May 2026 reflects IBI's long-term commitment to supporting Chinese enterprises in expanding into South Asian and Central Asian markets through Pakistan.

In a keynote address, the Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalil Hashmi, described Pakistan as "your next growth destination," emphasizing that bilateral cooperation is entering a results-driven phase. "Chinese enterprises are ready to go global and Pakistan is ready to welcome you," he said.

Highlighting Pakistan's economic fundamentals, the ambassador pointed to its population of 250 million, with 60 percent under the age of 30, competitive labor costs, and a strategic location linking South Asia, Central Asia and the Gulf region.

"Pakistan targets 60 percent clean energy by 2030, requiring over 10,000 megawatts of solar, wind, and storage. We are learning, adapting, and implementing just as China did after 1978," he added.

Hashmi underscored that cooperation is moving beyond agreements to implementation, noting that more than 60 percent of over 170 MoUs signed during recent high-level engagements have already entered execution.

He outlined wide-ranging opportunities across sectors including industrial e-commerce, financial services, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and information technology.

The ambassador also highlighted investor-friendly policies such as duty-free machinery imports, 10-year tax holidays in Special Economic Zones, and a streamlined single-window system ensuring responses to investors within 15 days.

He further invited Chinese enterprises to participate in a business delegation to Pakistan from May 8 to 14, 2026, for the launch of the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters, describing it as a "business discovery mission" focused on project implementation and direct engagement with policymakers.