China-backed investment in Pakistan’s tyre sector is set to grow further after Service Long March Tyres announced a $120 million expansion plan. The company says the move will help increase production capacity and push exports beyond $100 million in the next fiscal year.
The announcement was made by Chairman Jin Yongsheng during a meeting with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal. Later, the delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss expansion, export growth and tariff policy support for the tyre industry.
According to the company, it is on track to reach an export target of $70 million by June. It also aims to cross $100 million in exports during the next financial year, a step that would place it among Pakistan’s top non-textile exporters.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was working to strengthen business-to-business links between Pakistan and China. He added that Pakistan remained committed to a sustainable, transparent and facilitative investment regime. He also said ventures such as Service Long March are important for economic growth, job creation, technology transfer and export expansion.
Officials told the meeting that Pakistan has made notable progress in the global tyre market. Exports to the United States and Brazil have risen quickly, with Pakistan emerging as the fifth-largest tyre exporter to the US and the seventh-largest to Brazil.
This marks a major shift from just a few years ago, when Pakistan had almost no presence in those markets. The reported growth has been linked to technology transfer and technical expertise gained through collaboration with Chinese partners. That cooperation, in turn, has helped local manufacturers meet international standards and compete more effectively overseas.
Nooriabad facility and policy support
The company’s manufacturing plant in Nooriabad, Sindh, was described as a modern and efficient industrial unit. It currently employs around 2,000 workers and also uses renewable energy solutions, according to the meeting details. The delegation was also informed that the Board of Investment was facilitating the company in several areas, including support for the establishment of a development zone in Nooriabad.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal acknowledged the industry’s concerns and said the government would continue supporting sectors with strong export potential. He also stressed the need for a balanced tariff policy that encourages local production while preserving competitiveness. Both sides agreed that closer cooperation between government and industry will be necessary to support export-led growth and industrial expansion in Pakistan’s tyre sector.
