Murad invites Chinese firms to invest in Sindh

BEIJING: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah discussed major infrastructure and energy projects during his meetings with the top executives of Chinese companies in Beijing on Wednesday.

The CM’s discussions with heads of Chinese companies focussed on several key projects designed to boost Sindh’s and Pakistan’s economic growth. The delegation included Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi.

Regarding the Karachi Circular Railways project, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said it has been pending with the Chinese authorities for approval since 2016. He added the work on various BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) was in progress while Green and Orange Line BRT services were operational in Karachi, but their genuine benefit would be materialised when KCR, the main feeder of the BRT would be made operational. He said the collaboration on the Karachi Circular Railway project would modernize the city’s urban transport system.

During the meetings, partnerships were also explored to further develop Thar Coal resources and expand Pakistan’s energy capacity. The CM invited Chinese companies to invest in Thar in coal-to-gas, coal-to-diesel and coal-to urea-like projects. He also discussed the introduction of electric buses and taxis to promote cleaner, more efficient public transport. Discussions with Chinese firms including Norinco, Beiben Trucks, China North Vehicle Company, and Jiangsu Trade Electro-Mechanica encompassed wider investment opportunities.

CM Shah said “These projects represent not only significant progress for Sindh but also a crucial contribution to Pakistan’s national development agenda. The Karachi Circular Railway, Thar Coal development, and the adoption of modern electric transport will dramatically enhance public services and stimulate economic activity.” He emphasised the importance of leveraging China’s technological expertise to accelerate provincial development and create numerous job opportunities. These partnerships will lead to multiple joint ventures, fostering sustained economic and industrial growth for both Sindh and Pakistan, CM Shah said.

Separately, Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon met with a Chinese EV bus manufacturer in Beijing and invited it to establish an EV bus manufacturing plant in Karachi.

Sindh Minister for Energy and Planning & Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, was also present at the meeting.

Sharjeel said the Sindh government would provide all possible facilities, including tax incentives, land allocation, and streamlining regulatory approvals for investors. He emphasised that the government is striving to modernize public transport and reduce carbon emissions. The EV bus plant would create employment opportunities, he said. The representatives of the Chinese company welcomed the Senior Minister’s invitation and expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Karachi. They assured the minister that a feasibility study would soon be conducted to assess the project’s economic and technical viability.