CM offers seawater desalination project

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called for a new phase of strategic cooperation with Shanghai Electric Group, inviting the Chinese energy and engineering company to invest in seawater desalination, renewable energy, energy storage, coal-based chemical industries and human resource development in Sindh.

The proposal was made during a meeting with Shanghai Electric Group Chairman Wu Lei and senior company executives at the group's headquarters in Shanghai. The two sides reviewed ongoing projects in Sindh and explored new areas of cooperation.

Highlighting Karachi's growing water challenges, the chief minister invited Shanghai Electric to explore the development of a large-scale seawater desalination project under Sindh's public-private partnership framework.

He said the company's experience in desalination and water infrastructure could help ensure a sustainable water supply for Karachi's rapidly growing population.

"Karachi urgently needs modern, long-term solutions to its water challenges. We believe Shanghai Electric's expertise in desalination technology can play a significant role in addressing this issue," he said.

Jobs

The chief minister acknowledged Shanghai Electric's role in Tharparkar's development, saying the project had generated employment, enhanced technical skills and opened up new economic opportunities for local communities.

He appreciated the company's efforts to train and employ young people from Thar and urged it to expand opportunities for local residents, particularly women.

"The benefits of Thar's development must continue to reach the people of the region. We want local communities, including women, to have a greater share in the economic opportunities generated by these projects," he said.

Renewable energy, storage

The chief minister also highlighted Sindh's considerable potential for wind and solar power, inviting the company to participate in upcoming renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and related industrial ventures.

He also encouraged Shanghai Electric to consider establishing local manufacturing or assembly plants for renewable energy equipment in Sindh's special economic zones.

Technology transfer

Emphasising the importance of knowledge transfer, Murad proposed a structured training and capacity-building programme for Sindh's engineers, technical professionals and energy-sector officials at Shanghai Electric's facilities in China. He said the initiative would strengthen local expertise and support the long-term sustainability of major infrastructure and energy projects in the province.