On Thursday, Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on the rapidly expanding automotive sector. This was announced by Pakistan’s Consul General in Shanghai, Shehzad Ahmad Khan, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Taizhou International Automobile Industry Expo.
Khan highlighted Taizhou’s pivotal role as a leader in China’s automobile industry, citing its innovative achievements and significant contributions to the global market. “Taizhou is a trailblazer in the automotive field, and its advancements set a standard for others to follow,” he remarked, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The Consul General underscored the importance of technological collaboration, stating that joint efforts between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises could lead to groundbreaking advancements in automotive technology. “Such collaboration can drive significant strides in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and sustainable practices within the industry,” Khan added, as reported by China Economic Net.
Emphasizing a comprehensive framework for cooperation, he pointed to the need for collaborative efforts in research and development, manufacturing, and market access. “By working together, we can shape a future where clean, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions are accessible to all,” Khan noted.
Taizhou is renowned as the “First City of Private Automobile Manufacturing” in China, boasting five national automobile industry bases and over 6,000 automobile and parts enterprises, according to the APP. The expo itself spans six exhibition halls across 50,000 square meters, featuring 2,500 booths that showcase the latest products and technologies in the sector.
In addition to the main event, Shehzad Khan organized an Electric Vehicle (EV) investment conference on the sidelines of the expo. This conference brought together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, officials, and potential investors, to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s burgeoning EV sector. Discussions centered on investment prospects in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and supply chain management.
The 2024 Taizhou International Automobile Industry Expo marks a significant step in solidifying Pakistan-China relations, particularly in fostering innovation and growth in the automotive industry. Notably, in August, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD announced plans to establish a car production plant in Pakistan and commence sales of three models through a partnership with Mega Motors. This development further highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations and their shared vision for a sustainable automotive future.
