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Dar says ‘Pakistan is open for business’ at China investment conference | The Express Tribune

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Dar says ‘Pakistan is open for business’ at China investment conference | The Express Tribune


DPM says over $13b in MoUs and joint ventures have been signed through bilateral B2B engagements

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reach Beijing on Sunday. PHOTO: ISHAQ DAR/ X

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was “open for business” as he addressed the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou, highlighting deepening economic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China.

He arrived in Beijing along with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal for a series of high-level political and diplomatic engagements.

Addressing Chinese and Pakistani business leaders at the conference focused on information technology, telecom, battery energy storage systems and agriculture, Dar described the selected sectors as central to Pakistan’s “economic transformation and industrial modernisation”.

“Pakistan is open for business. Pakistan is reforming. Pakistan is rising,” he added.

Dar said more than 500 companies from both countries were participating in the conference, which he described as a reflection of the growing Pakistan-China business partnership.

The deputy prime minister said the government under Prime Minister Shehbaz had pursued a programme focused on economic revival, industrial expansion and sustainable growth, adding that Pakistan had achieved economic stabilisation over the past four years despite external challenges.

He further said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had “fundamentally redefined its role” by placing economic diplomacy at the centre of Pakistan’s foreign policy. “Expanding B2B engagement with China is a powerful example of this new direction,” he said.

Highlighting progress in bilateral economic cooperation, Dar said Pakistan and China had organised two business-to-business conferences in China and two in Pakistan.

“Cumulatively, more than 300 MoUs and nearly three dozen joint ventures have been signed, with a total value exceeding 13 billion US dollars,” he said. “And we have obtained nearly 30% conversion rate from MoUs to agreements and contracts.”

He said the achievements were “not merely statistics” but reflected “trust, confidence, and shared ambition”.

Referring to recent developments in bilateral investment, Dar said the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters had been established in Islamabad within eight months of discussions held in Beijing.

“Within less than eight months after Chairman Qian’s meeting with the prime minister in Beijing, IBI has established and started its operations,” he said, adding that the initiative had already resulted in MoUs worth more than $1 billion.

Dar also highlighted an upcoming joint venture between Pakistan’s Servis Group and China’s Longstar Group, saying the Chinese company was preparing to establish a billion-dollar company in Pakistan.

“These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts across multiple Pakistani institutions under the guidance of the prime minister,” he said.

The foreign minister praised Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and officials involved in organising the conference for their efforts in coordinating business matchmaking initiatives across Chinese cities and consulates.

Referring to Hashmi receiving the Chinese Government Friendship Award, Dar described it as recognition of the diplomat’s “invaluable contributions to strengthening Pakistan-China relations”.

The deputy prime minister said Pakistan viewed China’s economic diplomacy model as an example for its own institutions.

“What our Missions in China are doing is economic diplomacy in action,” he said, adding that the approach combined engagement, targeted outreach, strategic partnerships and measurable outcomes.

Read: PM Shehbaz arrives in Hangzhou on four-day official visit to China

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, Dar said the relationship had “stood the test of time, changing global realities, and regional challenges”. “Our iron brotherhood is growing stronger with each passing year,” he said.

He added that traditional government-to-government relations were now being reinforced by expanding business-to-business cooperation.

Quoting a Chinese proverb, Dar said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” “I must say the Chinese economic model of learning by doing, induction, and two years offers lessons for Pakistan. I am glad that we took that first step in Shenzhen two years ago,” he said. “And now, there is no looking back, only forward and upward.”

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his four-day visit from May 23-26.

The prime minister is also expected to attend an event marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, meet executives of leading Chinese companies and visit the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The Foreign Office said the visit would add “new dimensions” to Pakistan-China relations, particularly through enhanced cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese firms under Phase II of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Read More: Shehbaz praises visionary leadership of China’s Xi

Last month, President Asif Ali Zardari also completed a five-day visit to China, during which both countries signed multiple MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in desalination, agricultural technology, and the tea industry. This move is expected to boost investment, technology transfer, and economic ties between the two countries.

Earlier in January, Pakistan and China agreed to align their development strategies and build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0, during wide-ranging talks in Beijing that also covered political ties, security cooperation and regional and international issues.

As part of their economic engagement, Pakistan and China agreed to develop an upgraded CPEC, a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The two sides said the new phase would focus on the key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the building and operation of Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The two sides stated that the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass would facilitate two-way trade and further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC cooperation in accordance with the modalities agreed by both countries.





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Fuel price hike impact: How it will change what you eat, how you travel and what you can afford

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May 25, 2026

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Fuel price hike impact: How it will change what you eat, how you travel and what you can afford


Your next trip to the fuel station just got more expensive!Fuel prices across the nation saw another revision, now becoming costlier by Rs 7.5 per litre since the Middle East crisis began. Early Monday, petrol prices were hiked by Rs 2.61 per litre, while diesel prices were increased by Rs 2.71, marking the fourth increase in just ten days.These back-to-back revisions are now raising concerns over a ripple effect on household budgets, inflationary pressures, and everyday commuting costs, leaving consumers to quietly do the math all over again.The latest round of price hikes comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has tightened global energy supplies. With crude shipments under pressure and geopolitical tensions showing little sign of easing, international oil prices have been trending higher, with the impact steadily filtering into domestic retail markets.Retail fuel prices had remained largely unchanged for nearly four years before the first hike on May 15, making the sharp, fortnight-long surge in prices all the more striking.Prices continue to vary across states due to differing local taxes.

Timeline: Petrol & diesel price hikes in India since May 15 (Table)

Impact of rising petrol and diesel prices

Impact on transportation

Transportation is the first and most direct sector to feel the impact of petrol and diesel price hikes. Your drive to the office, that weekend road trip, and quick grocery run — everything will now cost slightly more. With the latest increase, transporters are under significant operational pressure after four rapid fuel revisions. Fuel alone accounts for more than half of truck operating costs, and when added to rising expenses such as tires, insurance, tolls, maintenance, finance costs and statutory compliances, transport operations are now facing severe pressure on viability.“Fuel alone accounts for nearly 55% of truck operating costs. Along with increasing costs of tyres, insurance, tolls, maintenance, finance costs and statutory compliances, the viability of transport operations is under severe pressure,” one transporter told TOI.Transporters also argue that instead of repeated smaller hikes, a single transparent fuel pricing decision would allow better planning of freight structures and business viability.

Supply chains and deliveries

Rising fuel prices are also creating wider pressure across supply chains and delivery networks in the country. Logistics operations are under strain, with transporters already raising freight charges, a move that is expected to increase the cost of delivered goods, including essential items. At the same time, higher operating costs are affecting delivery schedules, reducing overall efficiency in supply chains and last-mile distribution systems.In several regions, reports suggest that a large number of vehicles are being kept idle as operating costs and challenges continue to rise, leading to estimated losses of nearly Rs 3,500 per vehicle per day in some sectors. The ripple effect is already visible, with disruptions in vehicle movement, pressure on supply chains, delayed deliveries, and growing strain on manufacturing, import-export activity, and the movement of essential commodities.

Household bills go up

Rising petrol and diesel prices are set to squeeze household budgets, making everyday expenses, from food delivery and groceries to dining out, more expensive. As fuel costs climb, transport-linked expenses across essential goods are also rising, adding to the burden on consumers and pushing up overall living costs. The impact is expected to deepen further, with inflationary pressures building across the economy. Your daily consumption basket: including staples, packaged foods and other essentials could get costlier in the months ahead as higher fuel prices feed into supply chain and input costs. The latest fuel price revision, amid ongoing Middle East tensions, is also likely to pressure FMCG companies, which may be left with limited options such as selective price hikes or reductions in product grammage, according to industry executives. Freight costs are set to increase distribution and input costs, further straining margins of companies already grappling with 8-10% inflation.“If fuel prices remain elevated over multiple quarters, companies may eventually resort to calibrated price hikes or grammage reductions, which could weigh on consumption recovery, particularly in price-sensitive rural markets’’ Naveen Malpani, partner and consumer & retail industry leader, Grant Thornton Bharat had told TOI.FMCG companies like Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, Marico and Dabur have seen demand recovery but are facing rising input costs and inflation pressures. To offset this, they have already taken 2–5% price hikes and may consider further increases along with cost-cutting measures.

Impact on economy

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday assured that India’s economy continues to show resilience on a broader note. “We should appreciate that the challenges are more externally driven. We must also recognise that India’s domestic economic situation remains positive and resilient even today,” the FM said.

Fuel prices hiked again

At the same time, rising fuel prices have raised concerns about creating wider economic pressure as transportation costs feed into supply chains. This is increasing the cost of essentials, including fruits and vegetables, and adding inflationary pressure across sectors. The movement of goods, manufacturing activity, and import-export operations are all experiencing stress due to higher logistics costs and delivery disruptions.

OMC shares soar

Fuel price revisions have also influenced market activity. Shares of major oil marketing companies moved higher on Monday, with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) all soared in green.IOC shares rose 4% to Rs 145, HPCL surged 6% to Rs 412.55, and BPCL advanced over 4.5% to Rs 309 on the BSE. The movement came as crude oil prices touched a two-week low amid signs of progress in US-Iran peace talks.Meanwhile, before the recent price hike, the government had been stepping in to help oil marketing companies (OMCs) manage the pressure from rising crude prices by cutting excise duties. Now, the FM highlighted, any reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel would result in a revenue impact of around Rs 1 lakh crore.

What’s ahead for OMCs?

Earlier, in the absence of price hikes, oil marketing companies (OMCs) were facing heavy losses of up to Rs 1,000 crore per day. Now, with fuel prices rising by nearly Rs 7 per litre, the question is whether these losses will be reduced or not.The recent series of back-to-back price increases is expected to provide some relief to OMCs, but it is unlikely to fully offset their burden. Even if the situation in West Asia stabilises, uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz is expected to persist for some time, keeping crude prices elevated, likely above $90 per barrel.At the same time, a weakening rupee continues to add pressure on margins. “Combined with a weakening rupee, this continues to pressure OMC margins, and they could still face under-recoveries. Going forward, some calibrated price revisions may be required. The government will need to balance OMC financial health against the impact on consumers,” Sourav Mitra, Partner – Oil and Gas, Grant Thornton Bharat told TOI.

Top 5 Crude Oil Suppliers For India Since US-Iran War (Bar Chart)

3 F’s in focus

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also urged the country to focus on the 3 Fs, of fuel, fertiliser and forex. Apart from elevated crude oil prices, fertiliser costs have also surged to “unimaginable” levels, the FM noted, adding that high gold prices are creating additional challenges on the external front. She emphasised the need to focus on the “three Fs,” fuel, fertiliser and forex, pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeals have been made in this context.Taken together, the latest fuel price revisions are no longer just a heavier cost at the petrol pump, they are beginning to ripple through daily lives. From transporters recalibrating freight rates and supply chains under strain, to households quietly tightening monthly budgets, the impact is gradually seeping into everyday life. With global crude trends still uncertain and geopolitical tensions far from settled, the outlook for fuel prices remains vulnerable to developments beyond the country.



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Stock market today: Which are top gainers and losers on NSE & BSE on May 25? Check list

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May 25, 2026

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Stock market today: Which are top gainers and losers on NSE & BSE on May 25? Check list


Stock market rallied sharply on Monday, with the Sensex soaring more than 1,000 points and the Nifty reclaiming the 24,000 mark, as easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and falling crude oil prices boosted investor sentiment globally.The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,073.61 points, or 1.42 per cent, to close at 76,488.96, while the NSE Nifty 50 surged 312.40 points, or 1.32 per cent, to settle at 24,031.70.The rally came after optimism grew around a possible agreement between the United States and Iran, following remarks by US President Donald Trump over the weekend that a deal was “largely negotiated”.

Nifty50 top gainers

Company Name Current Price (Rs) Price Change % Change
Eicher Motors 7,414 433.00 ↑ 6.20% ↑
Adani Ent. 2,850 132.00 ↑ 4.88% ↑
Bajaj Finance 941.90 25.40 ↑ 2.77% ↑
Tata Motors PV 373.25 9.90 ↑ 2.73% ↑
L&T 4,033 107.00 ↑ 2.72% ↑
HDFC Bank 786.85 20.10 ↑ 2.62% ↑
Eternal 247.67 5.72 ↑ 2.37% ↑
Bajaj Finserv 1,807 41.40 ↑ 2.35% ↑
Kotak Bank 392.85 8.71 ↑ 2.27% ↑
Shriram Finance 961.95 21.00 ↑ 2.23% ↑

Sensex top gainers

Company Name Current Price (Rs) Price Change % Change
Bajaj Finance 941.90 25.40 ↑ 2.77% ↑
L&T 4,033 107.00 ↑ 2.72% ↑
HDFC Bank 786.85 20.10 ↑ 2.62% ↑
Eternal 247.67 5.72 ↑ 2.37% ↑
Bajaj Finserv 1,807 41.40 ↑ 2.35% ↑
Kotak Bank 392.85 8.71 ↑ 2.27% ↑
ICICI Bank 1,292 27.50 ↑ 2.18% ↑
SBI 969.60 20.40 ↑ 2.15% ↑
Axis Bank 1,311 25.80 ↑ 2.01% ↑
Titan Company 4,159 79.40 ↑ 1.95% ↑

Nifty50 top losers

Company Name Current Price (Rs) Price Change % Change
Max Healthcare 1,001 -22.40 ↓ -2.19% ↓
ONGC 284.95 -5.06 ↓ -1.75% ↓
Hindalco 1,100 -9.61 ↓ -0.87% ↓
Nestle India 1,414 -9.50 ↓ -0.67% ↓
Bajaj Auto 10,491 -58.50 ↓ -0.56% ↓
Infosys 1,169 -6.00 ↓ -0.52% ↓
TCS 2,308 -9.11 ↓ -0.40% ↓
Tata Consumer 1,187 -4.60 ↓ -0.39% ↓
HUL 2,197 -7.10 ↓ -0.33% ↓
Sun Pharma 1,841 -4.00 ↓ -0.22% ↓

Sensex top losers

Company Name Current Price (Rs) Price Change % Change
Infosys 1,169 -6.00 ↓ -0.52% ↓
TCS 2,308 -9.11 ↓ -0.40% ↓
HUL 2,197 -7.10 ↓ -0.33% ↓
Sun Pharma 1,841 -4.00 ↓ -0.22% ↓
Kwality Wall’s 26.33 -0.06 ↓ -0.19% ↓

Oil prices tumble as Iran deal hopes rise

Investor confidence improved as markets increasingly priced in the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran, which could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ease global energy supply concerns.According to news agency ANI, market expert Ponmudi R said optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran agreement revived risk appetite across global markets.“Investor sentiment improved significantly after Donald Trump stated over the weekend that a deal was ‘largely negotiated’, encouraging markets to increasingly price in the possibility of a near-term diplomatic resolution,” he said.He added that markets would look for the “successful implementation of a lasting peace agreement and the credible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz”.Brent crude prices dropped sharply below the $100 per barrel mark and were trading around $98 per barrel, down more than 5 per cent during the session.The Indian rupee also recovered strongly, gaining 48 paise to trade at Rs 95.21 against the US dollar after recent weakness.

Banking stocks lead market rally

Financial stocks led the gains on Dalal Street. Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, HDFC Bank, Eternal, Bajaj Finserv and Kotak Mahindra Bank emerged among the top Sensex gainers.Sectorally, Nifty PSU Bank rose 2.73 per cent, while Nifty Private Bank advanced 2.02 per cent, as per ANI. Nifty Auto climbed 1.66 per cent and Realty gained 1.54 per cent.However, FMCG stocks remained under pressure. Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Sun Pharma and Hindustan Unilever were among the laggards.

Global markets gain amid improving sentiment

Asian markets also ended higher on Monday amid improving global risk appetite. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.76 per cent, while Taiwan’s weighted index jumped 3.15 per cent.European markets were trading in positive territory, while US markets had settled higher on Friday.Meanwhile, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,440.47 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.



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Gold price today: Yellow metal rises; check 24K, 22K city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and more

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May 25, 2026

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Gold price today: Yellow metal rises; check 24K, 22K city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and more


Gold prices rose in futures trade on Monday, tracking gains in global markets amid growing optimism surrounding a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Retail gold rates across major Indian cities also moved higher, with 22K, 24K and 18K prices recording gains compared to the previous day.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for June delivery climbed by Rs 426, or 0.27 per cent, to Rs 1,59,105 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 5,312 lots. As per PTI, analysts attributed the rise to a weaker US dollar and positive sentiment linked to the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.Gaurav Garg, research analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said easing crude oil prices and hopes of a peace deal supported bullion prices globally. In the international market, Comex gold futures for the June contract rose nearly 1 per cent to USD 4,590.62 per ounce in New York, as quoted by news agency PTI.Analysts also noted that hopes of easing tensions in West Asia have reduced fears of another inflationary spike driven by oil prices, supporting sentiment in precious metals markets.

City-wise gold rates today

Gold rate in Bengaluru today:Gold prices in Bengaluru have moved higher today. The 24K gold rate stands at Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K gold is priced at Rs 14,610 and 18K at Rs 11,954 per gram, all up from yesterday’s levels.Gold rate in Delhi today:In Delhi, gold prices recorded gains across categories. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,953 per gram, while 22K gold stands at Rs 14,625 and 18K at Rs 11,964 per gram.Gold rate in Mumbai today:Mumbai has also witnessed an increase in bullion prices. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K and 18K gold are priced at Rs 14,610 and Rs 11,954 per gram, respectively.Gold rate in Chennai today:Gold prices in Chennai have risen sharply compared to other cities. The 24K gold rate stands at Rs 16,124 per gram, while 22K gold is at Rs 14,780 and 18K at Rs 12,400 per gram.Gold rate in Kolkata today:Kolkata has seen a rise in gold prices today. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K gold is priced at Rs 14,610 and 18K at Rs 11,954 per gram.Gold rate in Hyderabad today:Gold prices in Hyderabad have edged higher. The 24K gold rate stands at Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K and 18K gold are available at Rs 14,610 and Rs 11,954 per gram, respectively.Gold rate in Ahmedabad today:Ahmedabad has recorded gains in gold prices. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,943 per gram, while 22K gold stands at Rs 14,615 and 18K at Rs 11,959 per gram.Gold rate in Jaipur today:In Jaipur, gold prices have moved up today. The 24K gold rate stands at Rs 15,953 per gram, while 22K and 18K gold are priced at Rs 14,625 and Rs 11,964 per gram, respectively.Gold rate in Bhubaneswar today:Gold prices in Bhubaneswar have increased from yesterday’s levels. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K gold is at Rs 14,610 and 18K at Rs 11,954 per gram.Gold rate in Pune today:Pune has also witnessed higher bullion rates. The 24K gold rate stands at Rs 15,938 per gram, while 22K and 18K gold are priced at Rs 14,610 and Rs 11,954 per gram, respectively.Gold rate in Kanpur today:Gold prices in Kanpur have edged higher today. The 24K gold rate is Rs 15,953 per gram, while 22K gold stands at Rs 14,625 and 18K at Rs 11,964 per gram.



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