Sindh pushes digital payments in economic reform drive

IMGC plans Rs500m agro-processing plant at Port Qasim

KARACHI:

The Sindh government is pursuing a two-pronged economic agenda, seeking to attract investment in value-added agricultural exports while expanding digital payment facilities to improve transparency and efficiency in public revenue collection.

The initiatives came under discussion at separate meetings chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah at his office on Wednesday, where he met delegations from the International Multi Group of Companies (IMGC) and JazzCash to explore investment and technology partnerships.

In the meeting with IMGC, the company outlined plans to invest Rs500 million in an integrated sesame and castor seed processing facility at Port Qasim, aimed at producing higher-value agricultural products for international markets.

The proposed plant will process both crops under one roof, with a focus on castor oil, sesame oil, tahini, essential oils and other value-added derivatives. The project also envisages partnerships with farmers to encourage the cultivation of export-oriented crops and strengthen rural incomes.

CM Shah said the provincial government would work closely with IMGC to promote research into crops with export potential. He directed the Investment and Agriculture departments to coordinate with the company's experts and prepare a roadmap for research and development.

He said Sindh was open for business and ready to facilitate international investors, adding that the government wanted to move beyond conventional farming towards the processing of high-value agricultural and food products.

The chief minister said the proposed investment would not only attract capital but also generate thousands of employment opportunities for young people in rural areas.

Separately, CM Shah met a JazzCash delegation led by CEO Murtaza Ali to explore expanding digital payment channels for utility bills and government dues across Sindh.

The chief minister stressed that facilitating the payment of public dues was a government priority, saying digital solutions could spare citizens repeated visits to government offices, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and save valuable time.

Officials informed the meeting that JazzCash was already facilitating payments for e-challans and water bills issued by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation.