Pakistan and China have expanded cooperation in industrial digitization and smart manufacturing after the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed here a strategic agreement with China’s IBI Group after the launch ceremony of the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters.

The agreement is aimed at enhancing collaboration in industrial digitalization, e-commerce integration, logistics support, smart manufacturing systems, and industrial development between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat in the presence of RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf and representatives of the Chinese company, Gwadar Pro reported.

Officials said the partnership would create new opportunities for joint ventures between RCCI Industrial Estate Rawat and the Chinese technology group, enabling Pakistani industries to adopt modern digital systems and improve manufacturing efficiency.

The initiative forms part of the broader Pakistan-China push toward digital industrial transformation under the Digital Silk Road framework linked to the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Senior Pakistani ministers, diplomats, business leaders, and Chinese corporate representatives attended the launch ceremony, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Board of Investment officials, and ambassadors from both countries.

The collaboration is expected to support industrial modernization in Pakistan through the introduction of digital supply-chain systems, smart logistics platforms, integrated e-commerce frameworks, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Business leaders said Pakistan’s industrial sector could significantly benefit from Chinese expertise in automation, industrial connectivity, and digital commerce, particularly as the country seeks to improve export competitiveness and attract greater foreign investment.

The agreement also reflected growing confidence among Chinese companies in Pakistan’s industrial potential and expanding role in regional digital trade and manufacturing networks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China