Chinese automotive manufacturer BAIC Group is advancing discussions for its investment plans in Punjab, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year with the Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT), Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.

According to an official statement, a strategic meeting was held on Friday at the PBIT office in Lahore. PBIT Chairman Muhammad Muntaha Ashraf led the discussion, which included BAIC Overseas Investment CFO Ms. Dai Runqi. 

PBIT Board Member Ahmed Ali Tariq and CEO Dr. Suhail Saleem were also present.

 The Chinese company is “finalising preparations” to establish automotive manufacturing operations in Punjab, with a proposed capacity of 20,000 vehicles annually, PBIT said in a post. 

The initiative aims to transfer advanced automotive technology to Pakistan, create skilled jobs, and serve both local and international markets.

 Chairman Ashraf stated that the collaboration reflects growing investor confidence in Punjab’s industrial landscape. 

He called it a “major step toward positioning the province as a regional hub for high-tech manufacturing and sustainable economic growth.”

 The project follows a recent high-level PBIT delegation visit to China, which resulted in the signing of an MoU to strengthen industrial and trade cooperation in the automotive sector.

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