A delegation of Chinese business leaders is in Pakistan to explore potential investments in the country's housing and urban development sector, with a focus on modern building technologies. Led by Yao Yu, CEO of DongKai International Investment, the group met on Monday with Federal Minister for Housing Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada to discuss technology transfer and joint projects, officials said. During the meeting, the delegation presented its expertise in prefabricated and modular construction.

These methods, where building parts are made in a factory and assembled on-site, have been widely used in China to manage rapid urbanization and control costs. Yao also proposed establishing a large-scale commercial center in Pakistan, similar to Dubai's "Dragon Mart," to serve as a unified trade hub for Chinese and Pakistani businesses.

"This would not only enhance economic cooperation but also create jobs and boost local commerce," Yao said according to a report published by Gwadar Pro on Tuesday. The discussions reflect a broader trend of Chinese firms developing housing and smart city projects in countries like Malaysia and Kenya under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The delegation identified Gwadar, Islamabad, and Karachi as potential sites for similar developments.

Minister Pirzada welcomed the proposals, highlighting Pakistan's need for affordable housing as its urban population grows. He noted that prefabricated systems are valued for their potential speed and cost-efficiency in public housing schemes. Officials from two government agencies, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and the Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF), also presented investment opportunities and partnership models in several regions, from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue discussions to turn the proposed ideas into concrete projects, according to a statement from the housing ministry.

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