1. ADB Greenlights $410M for Reko Diq
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged a $410 million financing package to advance the Reko Diq copper-gold mine in Balochistan, marking a substantial international endorsement of Pakistan’s mining ambitions. This package includes a $300 million loan to Barrick Gold and a $110 million credit guarantee for the government of Pakistan.
The project, valued at $6.6 billion and jointly held by Barrick, federal, and provincial governments, is scheduled to commence production by 2028 and is projected to deliver up to $70 billion in free cash flow over its 37-year lifespan.
2. China Signs on to Accelerate CPEC and Broader Cooperation
Amid renewed diplomatic momentum, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad to strengthen collaboration under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two sides agreed to launch new projects spanning agriculture, industry, and technology, while also emphasizing security for Chinese personnel working in Pakistan.
3. Strategic Implications for Pakistan
These dual developments represent a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s economic trajectory:
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For mining, the ADB funding offers critical financial relief and investor confidence, supporting national efforts to tap into valuable resources while managing heavy public debt.
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For infrastructure, enhanced CPEC cooperation reinvigorates long-term investment flows and connectivity—particularly across energy, trade, and technological sectors.
Combined, these moves position Pakistan to deepen foreign investment, strengthen bilateral ties, and diversify its economic base.
4. Moving Forward
Implementing these initiatives will require robust governance, regulatory clarity, and security assurances—especially in areas like Balochistan, where insurgent risks persist. Success hinges on managing local concerns, protecting investor interests, and ensuring that developmental gains reach communities on the ground.