Chinese investors ink MoUs for five projects in Sindh

Chinese and Pakistani diplomats signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for five projects in transport, health, energy, and agriculture in Karachi, with support from the Sindh government.

The agreements include local assembly of electric cars, local manufacturing of solar panels, production of slow-release fertilisers, algae farming, and the establishment of a medical city in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone.

Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah hosted the signing ceremony where Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and CM's Special Assistant Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar were present.

Qasim Qamar accompanied the delegation on a visit to the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, where the investors showed significant interest and expressed a desire to establish industries. He noted that the Dhabeji Economic Zone is the only zone connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Meanwhile, Sharjeel Memon, talking to the media said that the investors have shown interest in setting up a state-of-the-art medical city in Pakistan, and the Sindh government has assured them of all possible support.

He also mentioned the government's initiative to launch EV (electric vehicle) taxis to create employment opportunities for youth.

This taxi service will help the environment by reducing emissions and providing transport facilities to passengers at cheaper rates.

Sharjeel welcomed Qasim Naveed Qamar, who has worked commendably since taking charge and deserves appreciation.

The information minister said that the creation of a medical city alone would provide jobs to 50,000 people.

He said that medical city can become a hub of pharmaceutical and surgical goods export. He also highlighted that there is a 10-year tax exemption for industries established in the Dhabeji Economic Zone, which provides significant relief to businessmen.

Qasim Qamar said that granite was being exported from Pakistan, and after processing in other countries, was being sold back in the local market. Sharjeel pointed out that the local Thar granite exported and processed in a foreign country was imported and used in the construction of the FTC building. Speaking at the press conference, Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said fertiliser production is a prime requirement.

He said that a coal gasification plant would be erected on 200 acres of land, which would greatly add to the energy production.

Solar parks are also being erected, which would be a great help for the energy sector. He underscored that the electricity produced from coal would prove to be more crucial in filling up the energy deficit of the country.

Sindh govt will sell electricity produced through solar parks to people for Rs18 per unit. Electricity rates will be fixed by SEPRA (Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority) and STDC (Sindh Transmission and Distribution Company).

Shah said in reply to a question that there are three federal representatives in K-Electric, but none from Sindh.