Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sees AI Investment, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 as Key to Pakistan’s Future Economy

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has highlighted the transformative potential of Pakistan-China cooperation under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0, alongside the government’s proposed $1 billion Artificial Intelligence (AI) fund, in driving Pakistan’s transition toward a robust digital economy.
President PCJCCI Nazir Hussain described the AI fund as a timely and strategic initiative that could strengthen governance, promote innovation, and unlock opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, which make up nearly 63 percent of the population. He emphasized that integrating advanced technologies into national development planning is essential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Senior Vice President Mansoor Saeed Sheikh noted that the initiative aims to build a comprehensive nationwide technological ecosystem. He said that introducing AI education in federally administered schools, along with 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships by 2030, would strengthen the country’s knowledge base and promote research-driven development.
Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif added that training one million non-IT professionals in AI-related skills would significantly enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and help traditional sectors adapt to modern technological demands. He said such initiatives would also help bridge the digital divide and expand participation in the digital economy.
Nazir Hussain further highlighted that initiatives under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 align closely with Pakistan’s “Uraan Pakistan” programme, which focuses on boosting exports, ensuring affordable energy, improving efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. He noted that synergy between these frameworks could enhance Pakistan’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation-driven sectors, while encouraging public-private partnerships to fully harness the potential of AI and digital transformation for sustainable economic development.