Pakistan Seeks Chinese Partnership in Sodium-Ion Battery Development for EVs
Pakistan has officially shown interest in partnering with China to develop sodium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), calling it a key focus for future bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He said Pakistan wants to work closely with Chinese companies to boost EV technology, particularly in sodium-ion batteries, which are seen as a promising alternative in the global market.
“Electric vehicles have become a major growth sector,” Iqbal noted. “Pakistan is keen to benefit from China’s leadership in battery innovation and EV manufacturing.”
The minister also announced that the Pakistan-China Business Conference, set for September 4 in China, will provide a vital platform for connecting industry leaders. The event will feature over 250 companies from Pakistan and more than 200 from China, covering sectors such as electric vehicles, solar energy, chemicals, and agriculture.
According to Iqbal, Chinese investors could gain from manufacturing EVs in Pakistan, which offers lower production costs and access to a rapidly growing market. He added that these partnerships would support Pakistan’s goals of energy efficiency, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030 aims to convert 30% of all new vehicle sales to electric by 2030 and achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2060. The policy includes tax incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure support to attract foreign investment and promote local manufacturing.
Several Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, are already active in Pakistan’s EV industry, working on vehicle assembly, charging infrastructure, and potential joint ventures.
