QUETTA: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has taken swift action to address concerns raised by a Chinese company that recently announced plans to shut down its operations in Pakistan, including a factory in Gwadar.
The company, Han Geng Group, had cited persistent administrative challenges, policy inconsistencies, and non-market obstacles as key reasons behind its decision. It also highlighted difficulties in securing export approvals despite meeting international food safety standards and complying with Chinese customs requirements.
Taking serious notice of the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the planning minister directed relevant authorities to immediately review and resolve the company’s grievances. In response, Mr. Iqbal convened a high-level meeting in Islamabad to address the matter and ensure investor confidence under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Following these assurances, the company withdrew its shutdown announcement and confirmed it would continue operations in both Pakistan and China.
Officials emphasized that removing bureaucratic and operational hurdles for CPEC investors remains a top priority, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating a business-friendly environment and sustaining foreign investment.
Story by Saleem Shahid
