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In a major development for regional trade, approximately 50,000 Chinese investors have expressed willingness to invest in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), aiming to strengthen cross-border commerce and drive local economic growth. The move follows a series of agreements between GB traders and the Pak-China Border Trade Zone authorities at Tashkurgan, officials confirmed.
Raja Mir Nawaz Mir, President of the Ghizer Chamber of Commerce and Industry, revealed the details in an interview with Gwadar Pro. He said that earlier this month, a delegation comprising traders from 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan completed a six-day visit to the Tashkurgan Border Trade Zone. Shortly after, a delegation of Chinese investors, led by Border Trade Zone Chairman Chen Hao, visited the Hunza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during which several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed.
One of the key outcomes was an agreement designed to facilitate Chinese investment in GB. According to Raja, traders from Pakistan will identify viable projects and provide land and related facilities, while the Tashkurgan Border Trade Zone will link them with potential Chinese investors. He emphasized that the Tashkurgan Border Trade Zone maintains a list of 50,000 Chinese investors willing to invest in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pak-China Agreement to Boost Joint Ventures in Gilgit-Baltistan
This initiative is part of a broader Chinese strategy to support cross-border communities along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Raja further explained that Pakistani investors will be required to obtain a guarantee from any recognized chamber of commerce in GB, while the Trade Zone will vouch for the Chinese investors. Future joint ventures are expected to include shareholding by GB chambers to ensure local participation.
In addition to the investment collaboration, GB traders have been allotted a dedicated section within the Tashkurgan Border Trade Zone, including a corporate office, a display center, and residential apartments. Raja stated that this will not only promote trade with China but also open up new markets across 18 other regional countries. An agricultural technology park spread over 300 kanals of land has also been approved as part of the expansion.
Furthermore, Ghizer traders signed two MoUs during the visit — one for setting up an oxygen gas plant and another for a building materials production facility. Raja expressed optimism that this wave of Chinese investment will usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Gilgit-Baltistan.
