CHARSADDA: Charsadda Chamber of Commerce and Industry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Xi’an Shengluu Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Federation to promote business-to-business cooperation and create new opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs in the district.

Charsadda Chamber senior vice-president Noman Akbar Jan Khan signed the agreement with the executive president of the federation, Madam Jing Haoyi, during his recent visit to China.

The MoU aims to strengthen commercial linkages between Pakistan and China and promote cooperation in imports and exports, investment and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Noman Khan said his visit to China and the signing of the MoU would provide the business community of Charsadda with greater access to the Chinese market and create opportunities for local traders to establish commercial partnerships with Chinese companies.

He said the chamber would facilitate traders from Charsadda interested in doing business with China. “We will interview interested traders at the chamber and, after selection, facilitate their visit to China,” he said.

He said that Chinese business community, through its local network and representatives, would support the visiting Pakistani traders, help them establish business contacts and explore potential opportunities in the Chinese market.

Mr Khan said the initiative was particularly important for young entrepreneurs and SMEs, as it would help them expand their businesses beyond local markets and develop international trade links.

Referring to his visit to Xi’an, Mr Khan said the historic Chinese city had long been an important centre of trade and was associated with the ancient Silk Road. He said his interaction with Chinese business representatives provided an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation between the business communities of Charsadda and China.

“Our objective is to transform Charsadda into an important commercial centre and connect its business community with international markets,” he said.

He expressed the hope that the MoU would open new avenues for trade, investment and entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities in Charsadda.

The agreement is also expected to encourage cooperation between SMEs of the two countries, facilitate the exchange of business information and strengthen people-to-people and business-to-business contacts.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026