Pakistan Chemical Expo 2026 opens in Lahore

Pakistan's chemical industry leaders on Friday called for large-scale investment in the petrochemical sector, saying the country could significantly reduce imports, boost exports, and create more than 100,000 jobs by developing an integrated petrochemical value chain.

These remarks were made at the inauguration of Pakistan Chemical Expo 2026, organized by the Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association, 24NewsHD TV reported. 

The event was jointly inaugurated by Faheemur Rehman Saigol and Haroon Ali Khan.

The opening ceremony was attended by Faiz Ahmed Chadhar, Zaki Ijaz, as well as industrialists, investors, academics, government officials, and stakeholders from the chemical sector.

Widely regarded as Pakistan's largest platform for the chemical industry, the expo brings together local and international manufacturers, traders, researchers, investors, and policymakers to discuss industrial development, innovation, sustainability, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Addressing the gathering, Saigol described the chemical industry as a key pillar of Pakistan's economy, noting that it supplies essential raw materials to sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, construction, packaging, automobiles, paints, and detergents.

He said Pakistan has the potential to transform the sector from one heavily dependent on imports into a globally competitive manufacturing and export industry.

Haroon Ali Khan said Pakistan's chemical and petrochemical market is worth more than $14 billion annually, but a large portion of industrial demand is still being met through imports.

He said that with supportive industrial policies, modern technology, increased investment, and the establishment of world-class naphtha crackers and petrochemical complexes, Pakistan could reduce imports by nearly $5 billion over the next five years while generating more than $2 billion in additional exports.

Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Faiz Ahmed Chadhar, said Pakistan has strong potential to emerge as a major trade and industrial hub in the region.

He stressed that closer cooperation between industry, government and investors could unlock new opportunities for exports, foreign direct investment and industrial diversification.

Participants were told that establishing a comprehensive petrochemical value chain in Pakistan could generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next decade, attract billions of dollars in domestic and foreign investment, and help related industries achieve a combined output exceeding $50 billion.

Industry leaders said such investments could strengthen Pakistan's supply chains, enhance industrial self-sufficiency and support long-term economic growth at a time when the country is seeking to expand exports and reduce its reliance on imported industrial inputs.