Pakistan has expressed formal interest in collaborating with China to develop sodium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), identifying it as a key priority in future bilateral cooperation. Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal made the announcement during a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, stating that the country is eager to engage with Chinese companies to advance EV technology. He highlighted sodium-ion batteries as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology, citing their potential to reduce costs and reliance on critical minerals.
Iqbal underscored that EVs are becoming an important growth sector for Pakistan and pointed to China’s leadership in battery innovation. He noted that Pakistan stands to benefit significantly from China’s advancements in this area, both in terms of technology transfer and industrial development. The minister also stressed the importance of diversifying energy storage technologies to support Pakistan’s transition to cleaner transportation systems.
The upcoming Pakistan-China Business Conference, set for September 4 in China, will serve as a major platform to connect industry leaders from both countries. More than 250 Pakistani companies and over 200 Chinese firms are expected to participate in the event. According to Iqbal, the conference will facilitate industry matchmaking not only in the electric vehicle sector but also in solar energy, chemicals, and agriculture, helping foster cross-sectoral investment opportunities. Iqbal encouraged Chinese firms to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s EV manufacturing sector, emphasizing the cost advantages of local production and the potential to serve a growing domestic market. He said such collaborations could also help Pakistan achieve broader economic and environmental objectives, including energy efficiency, job creation, and sustainable industrial growth.
Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030 sets an ambitious target of converting 30% of all new vehicle sales to electric by 2030, as part of a broader plan to achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2060. The policy includes tax incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure support measures to attract both foreign investment and encourage local manufacturing. Chinese companies such as BYD and Chery are already active in Pakistan’s EV sector, engaging in activities ranging from vehicle assembly to charging infrastructure development. These firms are also exploring joint ventures with local partners, signaling a deepening of industrial cooperation in clean mobility. Industry analysts believe that sodium-ion technology could become an important driver of EV adoption in Pakistan, given its potential for lower production costs and improved performance in high-temperature conditions.
Iqbal’s announcement reflects Pakistan’s intent to align its industrial development strategy with emerging global energy trends while strengthening trade and technology ties with China. By focusing on advanced battery technologies and leveraging partnerships with established players, Pakistan aims to position itself as a competitive hub for EV production in the region.
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