Punjab EV sector gets boost as Chinese plan assembly plants, charging stations

2026-03-03 - 07:04

LAHORE – Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain met a 17-member delegation of a leading Chinese investor group at PICS House to discuss large-scale investment opportunities in Punjab’s rapidly growing electric vehicles (EV) sector. The delegation was led by Mr. Lu Jinhai, Chairman of Aerospace Development Industry Investment Group Co. Ltd. During the meeting, the Chinese group expressed strong interest in making significant investment in Punjab’s EV industry. Chinese investment in Punjab EV sector Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lu said his group intends to establish assembly plants in Punjab for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheel electric vehicles. He added that the company is also planning to manufacture and install EV charging stations across the province. “Our group wants to invest in Punjab’s electric vehicles sector and help make the province a hub for EV manufacturing,” Mr. Lu stated, adding that a formal agreement with the Punjab government would be signed soon. Punjab emerging as electric vehicles hub Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain briefed the delegation on investment opportunities in Punjab’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), highlighting that world-class industrial infrastructure is available for foreign investors. He said that promotion of the electric vehicles sector is key to tackling environmental pollution. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has taken effective measures to control environmental pollution and promote green transport,” he said. The minister noted that solid steps have already been taken to boost EV adoption, including the launch of the e-taxi scheme and facilitation of electric vehicle manufacturing. Currently, seven to eight EV assembly plants are operational in Punjab, creating a strong foundation for further growth. Best time to invest in EV charging stations Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said Punjab offers vast opportunities in the EV sector, particularly in EV charging infrastructure. “This is the best time to invest in electric vehicle charging stations and EV manufacturing in Punjab. The government will provide full facilitation to Chinese investors,” he assured. He further stated that several Chinese companies have already invested billions of rupees in various sectors across Punjab, and more firms are entering the province due to improving economic cooperation between Pakistan and China. The minister welcomed the proposed investment by the Aerospace Group in Punjab’s EV sector, terming it a positive step towards strengthening Pakistan-China economic ties. Chairman PEDMC Javed Iqbal, Special Secretary Industries, Director General Punjab Board of Investment and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.