Pakistan has officially signaled its intent to collaborate with China on developing sodium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), calling it a strategic priority in future bilateral ties.
At a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan is keen to work with Chinese companies to advance EV technology, with a particular focus on sodium-ion batteries. He described EVs as a critical growth sector for the country and praised China’s global leadership in battery innovation.
“EVs have become a very important segment,” Iqbal remarked. “Pakistan is eager to benefit from China’s advances in this field.”
He announced that the Pakistan-China Business Conference, set for September 4 in China, will be a major platform for connecting industry leaders from both nations. The event is expected to draw over 250 companies from Pakistan and more than 200 from China, fostering partnerships across sectors such as electric vehicles, solar energy, chemicals, and agriculture.
Iqbal stressed that Chinese companies could gain significantly by investing in EV manufacturing in Pakistan, citing competitive production costs and a rapidly expanding domestic market. He added that such investments would align with Pakistan’s goals for energy efficiency, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
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Under Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, the government aims to convert 30% of all new vehicle sales to electric by 2030, with the broader target of achieving net-zero transport emissions by 2060. The policy includes tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development to attract foreign investment and promote local manufacturing.
Several Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, are already active in Pakistan’s EV market, assembling vehicles, building charging networks, and exploring joint ventures.