Pakistan, Jan. 28 -- Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan's mineral exports could reach $6-8 billion annually this decade with value addition. He emphasized moving beyond raw extraction toward processing, refining, and industrial clusters. China's partnership, he said, is central to achieving this goal.

Addressing the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, Iqbal stressed the need for mineral processing plants, smelters, and refineries. He proposed establishing mineral-based industrial clusters linked with Special Economic Zones to boost industrial growth and export competitiveness.

Read more: Value addition key to unlocking Pakistan critical minerals exports

Iqbal said strategic partnerships with China would d...