By Zafar Hussain

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (China Economic Net) - Pakistan and China signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and joint ventures worth approximately $9 billion at the Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference held in Beijing on Thursday. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who witnessed the signing ceremony, assured Chinese investors of full safety and facilitation in their ventures.

The day-long conference, attended by over 2000 enterprises from both countries, served as a platform to explore mutually beneficial opportunities in nine priority sectors identified by Pakistan. These include electric vehicles, solar manufacturing, software and fintech, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals, construction, and food processing.

In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China through practical cooperation, joint ventures, and technology transfer. Senior federal ministers, along with prominent Chinese dignitaries, also addressed the gathering. A special video highlighted incentives for Chinese investors in the priority sectors.

Throughout the day, companies engaged in sector-wise networking sessions, supported by on-site interpretation, while pre-arranged business schedules ensured targeted discussions. By the evening, MoUs totaling $9 billion had been signed, with significant commitments in real estate and construction ($1.96 billion), agriculture ($660 million), ICT ($542 million), electric vehicles ($425 million), and solar energy ($328 million).

One of the most notable agreements was a $240 million joint venture to establish localized photovoltaic and energy storage production lines in Pakistan. The project is expected to generate 5,000 jobs and boost exports, while advancing Pakistan’s renewable energy agenda.

The conference concluded with a dinner hosted for business leaders, attended by the Prime Minister. Follow-up meetings and site visits are planned for September 5 to further advance the announced collaborations.