Pakistan Targets $8 Billion Mineral Exports with China Partnership, Focus on Value Addition

• Pakistan aims to boost annual mineral exports to USD 6-8 billion within this decade by prioritizing value addition over raw extraction.
• Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted this goal at the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad.
• The strategy involves developing mineral processing plants, smelters, refining facilities, and industrial clusters linked to Special Economic Zones.
• China is identified as a central strategic partner for this transformation, focusing on technology, innovation, and human capital development.
• The second phase of CPEC is expected to enhance productivity, exports, and sustainable growth, upgrading Pakistan's agriculture, industries, and technology.

Why It Matters: Pakistan seeks to achieve $6-8 billion in mineral exports through value addition and strong partnership with China.