Pakistan has invited Swedish companies to explore broader investment opportunities in its mining sector as the government prepares to present new prospects at the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026. The initiative reflects Islamabad’s effort to attract international expertise, technology, and capital to help develop the country’s vast but largely untapped mineral resources.
The invitation was extended during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Sweden’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg von Linde. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and identifying new areas of collaboration, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
According to a statement issued by the petroleum ministry, both sides highlighted the long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship between Pakistan and Sweden while emphasizing the need to further expand industrial and commercial partnerships. The conversation also explored opportunities for Swedish companies to play a larger role in Pakistan’s growing natural resource and exploration industry.
Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde noted that Sweden and Pakistan have maintained strong engagement for more than 77 years. She pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries spans a wide range of industries, including transport, telecommunications, packaging, and manufacturing. The ambassador also highlighted the presence of Swedish companies in Pakistan’s business environment, noting that over 40 firms are currently members of the Swedish Business Council operating in the country.
During the meeting, mining emerged as a major sector with significant potential for future collaboration. The ambassador emphasized that Sweden has developed extensive expertise in modern mining practices, particularly in areas such as digitalisation of mining operations, sustainability-focused extraction processes, advanced mining services, and environmental protection systems.
She also shared that Swedish companies are already engaged in Pakistan’s mining sector and see strong prospects for expanding their footprint in the country. These companies are currently providing services and technological solutions in various segments of the industry.
Referring to Pakistan’s flagship mining initiative, the ambassador noted that Swedish firms are already contributing to the Reko Diq Project. Their involvement includes supplying products and services, offering connectivity solutions, and providing specialized equipment including explosives used in mining operations.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik welcomed the continued participation of Swedish businesses in Pakistan’s economic landscape and acknowledged the role of foreign investors in developing the country’s natural resource sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with international partners to unlock the economic value of Pakistan’s mineral reserves.
Malik described the Reko Diq Project as the centerpiece of Pakistan’s mining industry and referred to it as the “jewel of Pakistan’s mining sector.” He noted that despite various challenges, the project has maintained steady progress without experiencing any delays, crediting the professionalism and coordination of companies and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The minister also highlighted the government’s broader strategy to expand mining activities across the country. As part of this effort, Pakistan plans to showcase new investment opportunities in exploration and related industries during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
The forum is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on April 8 and 9, 2026, and is expected to bring together international investors, mining companies, technology providers, and policymakers to discuss opportunities within Pakistan’s mineral resource sector.
Ambassador Berg von Linde recalled the previous edition of the forum and described it as a well-organized event that attracted considerable international participation. She noted that Sweden had maintained an official presence at the event with its own exhibition stall, while five Swedish companies had also participated independently to showcase their technologies and services.
She expressed confidence that participation from Sweden would grow further in the upcoming edition of the forum. Representatives from the Business Development Association and additional Swedish companies are expected to attend and explore potential investment partnerships.
Malik stated that the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is likely to be larger and more impactful than the previous edition. He encouraged Swedish companies to expand their engagement beyond the Reko Diq project and consider opportunities in Pakistan’s exploration sector, which holds substantial untapped mineral potential.
Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Sweden. They agreed to maintain active engagement aimed at promoting investment, technological collaboration, and sustainable development across key sectors including mining, energy, and industrial innovation.
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