ISLAMABAD: A leading Chinese company has expressed strong interest in making long-term investments across Pakistan’s energy sector, including upstream oil and gas, refinery modernization, offshore exploration, energy equipment manufacturing, and integrated coastal energy infrastructure.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Hou Jianxin, Chairman of Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Hou Jianxin reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Pakistan and proposed a long-term strategic partnership covering the entire energy value chain. He said Shandong Xinxu Group possesses advanced expertise in upstream oil and gas operations, including field optimization, drilling services, and production enhancement, and is keen to collaborate in increasing Pakistan’s domestic hydrocarbon production.
The Chinese delegation also proposed modernizing Pakistan’s refining sector by installing a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit to convert furnace oil into higher-value refined petroleum products. In addition, the company expressed interest in establishing an energy equipment manufacturing facility in Pakistan to meet local demand while serving export markets across the Middle East.
Highlighting its experience in offshore oil exploration and development, the company proposed joint ventures in Pakistan’s offshore energy sector. Other investment proposals included cooperation in lead mining, the establishment of a sulphur processing plant, and the development of integrated energy cities along Pakistan’s coastline. These industrial clusters would combine LNG infrastructure, petroleum storage facilities, and petrochemical industries to strengthen energy security and support industrial growth.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government is undertaking a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s energy landscape aimed at enhancing energy security, attracting foreign investment, and promoting greater value addition across the sector.
He appreciated Shandong Xinxu Group’s interest in investing in Pakistan and assured the delegation of the government’s full support in facilitating commercially viable projects. The minister also directed the Petroleum Division to appoint dedicated focal persons for each proposal to ensure timely coordination and follow-up.
Ali Pervaiz Malik noted that the company had previously met Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to China and praised its commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation in strategic sectors. He expressed confidence that expanded collaboration between the two countries would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth, energy security, and long-term energy transformation.
