During an official visit to China, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met senior Chinese corporate executives in Hangzhou, including a key session with Danwei Shao, Chairwoman of Starcharge Group. The talks centered on expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and deploying smart mobility systems across Pakistan. Delegates discussed the scale of investment, potential manufacturing facilities, and expansion of existing plants, with a focus on battery supply, charging hardware, and software platforms. The Prime Minister highlighted government policies aimed at ease of doing business and outlined investment-centric reforms designed to attract capital while ensuring transparent governance. He stressed the importance of business-to-business cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies to strengthen fraternal ties and unlock shared value in the EV ecosystem. Chinese partners expressed willingness to deploy capital and transfer technology, potentially integrating Pakistan into regional EV supply chains. The meeting signaled next steps, including follow-up engagements, site visits by prospective investors, and the exploration of joint ventures and manufacturing corridors. Broader considerations discussed included energy grid upgrades, regulatory clarity, and the need for a predictable policy regime to support multi-billion-dollar investments, job discovery, and technology transfer. In my view, this engagement reflects a mature, results-oriented approach to economic diplomacy that could accelerate Pakistan’s industrial diversification if implemented with clear milestones, robust governance, and meaningful local participation. However, success will hinge on sustained commitment, transparent procurement, debt sustainability considerations, and ensuring alignment with Pakistan’s long-term development objectives.

Source: Statement from @GovtofPakistan

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Published: May 24, 2026, 11:26 am