ISLAMABAD: A major push toward digital transformation and foreign investment gained momentum as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a Chinese business delegation proposing to establish a dedicated digital economy headquarters in Pakistan, marking a potential turning point in bilateral tech cooperation.
The development was discussed during a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, where the delegation led by Qian Xiaojun, founder and president of IBI Beijing United Technology, presented its vision for a “digital backbone” aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic and technological infrastructure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan-China relations as historic and reaffirmed that both countries remain all-weather strategic partners. He said Islamabad was committed to expanding cooperation in digital economy, industrial development, and investment facilitation, particularly through stronger business-to-business engagement.
He also welcomed the Chinese group’s proposal to establish a Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters, describing it as a step that could significantly enhance technological collaboration and improve access for small and medium-sized enterprises to international markets, especially in China.
According to officials, the proposed facility is expected to function as a command centre for digital transformation initiatives, streamlining connectivity between industries, investors, and technology ecosystems across both countries.
The delegation expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook and said the project would support long-term digital integration, helping local businesses tap into broader regional opportunities.
The meeting also included senior cabinet members overseeing investment, commerce, IT, petroleum, and industrial policy, reflecting the government’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment and accelerate digital modernization.
The proposal comes in the wake of the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference held in Beijing in September 2025, signaling continued momentum in economic cooperation between the two long-standing allies.
As Pakistan seeks to stabilize its economy and expand its tech sector, the initiative is being seen as part of a wider shift toward digital infrastructure-led growth, though its implementation and outcomes will depend on regulatory, financial, and institutional coordination in the coming months.
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