In a significant move to attract foreign investment, the Government of Pakistan partnered with the Embassy of France to organize a high-level webinar focusing on the country's mineral wealth and business opportunities for French enterprises.
High-Level Participation from Both Nations
The virtual event titled "Pakistan's Minerals Economy: Gateway to Growth" was jointly chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey. The proceedings took place at the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) Headquarters in Islamabad.
Representing the French government at the highest level was Benjamin Gallezot, Interministerial delegate for supplies of strategic minerals and metals, who also serves as Advisor to the French President on mining matters. He led the French delegation through online participation.
The webinar brought together senior officials from multiple key Pakistani institutions including the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Pakistan's Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, also joined the session virtually, demonstrating the importance both governments attach to this collaboration.
Pakistan's Mineral Wealth Takes Center Stage
During his address, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized Pakistan's significant potential in critical minerals including copper, gold, and rare earth elements. He highlighted how these resources are becoming increasingly vital for the global transition to clean energy technologies and electric vehicle production.
"The global shift toward green energy has made minerals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements crucial to future technologies. Pakistan's mineral-rich regions, especially in Balochistan's Chaghi belt, offer immense opportunities for investment," Minister Malik stated.
The minister detailed the government's commitment through SIFC to provide comprehensive facilitation and a transparent regulatory framework designed to attract international investors and establish long-term partnerships.
Concrete Steps to Improve Investment Climate
Minister Malik outlined several initiatives the government has implemented to enhance the ease of doing business in Pakistan's minerals sector. These include the development of a National Minerals Harmonisation Framework, digitalization of geological data, and revitalization of the Geological Survey of Pakistan.
These measures aim to ensure greater transparency and improved data accessibility for potential investors considering opportunities in Pakistan's mining sector.
The minister also highlighted the success of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), which attracted over 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries and resulted in 16 Memoranda of Understanding being signed. The next edition, PMIF26, is scheduled for April 2026.
French Interest and Future Collaboration
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey expressed appreciation for Pakistan's efforts to strengthen its mining and investment environment. He confirmed France's interest in exploring partnerships within the sector, noting that French companies recognize Pakistan's resource potential and are keen to engage in sustainable mining ventures.
"France sees great potential in Pakistan's minerals sector. We look forward to deepening cooperation and facilitating the exchange of information and expertise," Ambassador Galey remarked.
Benjamin Gallezot, Advisor to the French President on mining, described the forum as very helpful for highlighting opportunities in Pakistan's mineral sector for French companies.
Participants received comprehensive briefings on the government's focus on ensuring investor facilitation and project security. The session explored collaborative frameworks between Pakistani and French companies for exploration, processing, and value addition throughout the minerals supply chain.
OGDC MD/CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak confirmed that Pakistani companies are open to partnerships with French firms in both ongoing and upcoming projects. "Pakistan's mineral industry offers promising investment opportunities, and we welcome French companies to collaborate in exploration and development initiatives," he stated.
The webinar concluded with an agreement to continue coordination between Pakistani and French stakeholders to identify specific opportunities for cooperation in exploration, technology transfer, and sustainable mining practices.
