ISLAMABAD: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, has called upon Chinese companies to participate in the development of the new industrial estate of the federal capital.

President ICCI Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, here on Tuesday, highlighting the need for modern industrial infrastructure, said that the establishment of a new industrial estate in Islamabad, potentially spanning 8,000 acres, was essential.

He expressed these views while addressing a 13-member delegation of the Pakistan-China Business Forum (PCBF), led by its chief patron, retired Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum, and Co-chairman Sheikh Ejaz Asghar.

He stressed that consistent follow-up, effective business matchmaking and a clear understanding of mutual commercial interests were essential to translating bilateral engagements into tangible economic outcomes.

He proposed compiling a comprehensive directory of Chinese companies and their products, establishing a product and technology display centre at ICCI, and setting up a dedicated facilitation desk for Chinese businesses in Islamabad.

President ICCI proposed that the industrial estate could attract investment in manufacturing, electric vehicles and other emerging industries, while Chinese expertise could support infrastructure development, modern waste management, recycling and waste-to-energy projects.

He emphasised that Islamabad’s strategic location and proximity to government institutions made it an attractive destination for investment.

The ICCI has also proposed organising a major Pakistan-China expo in Islamabad in March 2027 ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) engagements to showcase products, promote investment opportunities and facilitate direct business-to-business connections.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2026