A series of high-level diplomatic meetings took place at the Chief Minister House on Friday where Sindh CM Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met the ambassadors of Hungary, France, the Netherlands and the European Union to discuss bilateral cooperation, investment opportunities, heritage preservation and social development initiatives across the province.
The meetings were attended by Special Assistant to CM for Investment Syed Qasim Naveed, Secretary to CM Abdul Raheem Shaikh, senior diplomats, consuls general and officials from the relevant departments.
The CM met Hungarian Ambassador Dr Zoltán Varga to discuss cooperation in water treatment, solid waste management, environment and technology. Deputy Head of Mission Dóra Gunsberger and Honorary Consul General Makhdoom Omar Shehryar also participated in the meeting.
The two sides held detailed discussions on the promotion of archaeological sites and cultural heritage, including Mohen-Jo-Daro, Makli, Chaukhandi necropolis, and other ancient sites of the Indus Civilisation.
“The people of Sindh are heirs to a 5,000-year-old Indus Civilisation. Our heritage reflects the roots of human history,” the CM said. He highlighted Sindh’s identity as the land of peace, shaped by the teachings of Sufi saints who preached love, harmony and interfaith tolerance. “People of different faiths have lived together in Sindh with respect and brotherhood for centuries,” he said.
The two sides discussed expanding investment opportunities and considered forming joint working groups in education, technology and environmental cooperation. Shah also met French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, accompanied by Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky. The two sides discussed cooperation in archaeology, culture, investment and capacity-building.
They exchanged views on the Asian Civilisations Museum in Paris and agreed to enhance cultural exchange programmes. The French envoy expressed special interest in the preservation of Sindh’s archaeological heritage.
The CM welcomed potential French investment, saying, “There are vast opportunities for French companies in Sindh — particularly in renewable energy and urban development.” He assured the French ambassador of his government’s full support for French investors. The ambassador said French companies were keen to explore mines and minerals in Sindh.
The CM directed the investment department to share a detailed list of priority projects with the French Embassy to facilitate future engagements.
The CM later met Dutch Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert, accompanied by First Secretary Alexander Akerboom and Honorary Consul General Tariq Khan.
The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties with an emphasis on water management, agriculture, renewable energy and education. The CM said Karachi, being a major port city, offered vast investment potential. “Sindh’s public-private partnership model is regarded among the best in the world,” he said as he encouraged Dutch firms to explore opportunities in cattle farming, dairy production and renewable energy in the province.
The Dutch envoy expressed interest in expanding investment in multiple sectors and appreciated Sindh’s business outlook.
The CM also met EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis with discussions centred on bilateral relations, investment and ongoing development cooperation.
The EU envoy informed Shah that a delegation of European investors was expected to visit Pakistan soon. The CM welcomed the initiative, saying the visit would help generate new investment agreements in Sindh.
The two sides discussed opportunities in marble, granite, minerals and other high-value sectors. The CM briefed the EU ambassador on ongoing rehabilitation work in flood-affected districts and praised the EU for its strong support. “The European Union has played a crucial role in the recovery of flood-hit communities in Sindh,” he said.
They also discussed cooperation in education, health care and skill development programmes, and emphasised the need for enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The CM highlighted Sindh’s deeply rooted tradition of religious harmony and said, “Around the world, divisions emerge based on religion, sect, or nationality, but Sindh has always remained a land of tolerance and coexistence.”
He added that Sindh was the only province of the country where members of minority communities contested on general seats in the general elections. Shah assured all the visiting envoys that Sindh remained committed to providing full facilitation, transparency and security to the foreign investors and development partners.