In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation with China, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday presided over a high-level meeting to review and firm up memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed following President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China.
The meeting aimed to accelerate progress in joint initiatives across multiple sectors and ensure timely implementation through coordinated efforts.
The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by Sindh ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar and Mohammad Ali Malkani, Advisor to CM for Rehabilitation Gianchand Israni, Special Assistant Syed Qasim Naveed, Special Assistant for STEVTA Junaid Buland, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Planning & Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Livestock & Fisheries Secretary Kazim Jatoi, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Energy Secretary Shuaib Ansari, Additional Agriculture Secretary Idress Khoso, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation CEO Ahmad Siddiqui and others.
The CM emphasised that the collaboration with China reflected a strategic opportunity to modernise Sindh’s infrastructure, enhance industrial capacity and boost socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to translating the agreements with China into tangible outcomes directing all the departments to remove bottlenecks and expedite implementation of the MoUs. “These MoUs must not remain on paper. We need actionable progress with defined timelines and accountability,” he said, instructing officials to maintain close coordination with federal authorities and Chinese counterparts.
The CM directed that each project be monitored through a dedicated focal mechanism, with regular progress reports submitted to his office. Stressing transparency and efficiency, he called for early finalisation of feasibility studies, swift approvals and facilitation for investors.
Emergency services
The meeting reviewed proposals involving Chinese companies for the provision of modern firefighting equipment, including fire trucks, emergency response systems and construction of fire stations. The CM was informed that consultations had been completed and a government-to-government arrangement was in process.
He directed the local government department to expedite formalities and ensure early finalisation of the agreement.
Coal gasification
A major industrial project involving coal gasification for fertiliser production in Thar was also discussed. The initiative, backed by collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese firms, aims to utilise local coal resources to produce ammonia and urea.
The meeting was informed that feasibility studies were under way and expected to be completed by May 2026. Murad termed the project vital for energy security and agricultural sustainability, and instructed the energy department to facilitate it.
Livestock tracking
The meeting reviewed progress in introducing modern livestock traceability systems, vaccination programmes and disease diagnostic facilities.
The plans discussed included technology transfer, establishment of diagnostic labs and operationalisation of a livestock registration authority.
The CM directed the livestock department to ensure fast-track implementation, noting that the initiative would enhance export potential and improve disease control mechanisms.
Environmental projects
Various proposals related to sewage treatment, water supply, and environmental technologies were also discussed. However, technical and financial assessments indicated that certain proposed models were not cost-effective.
The CM emphasised the need for sustainable and affordable solutions, directing the authorities to prioritise locally viable technologies.
Other projects
Plans for establishing a controlled agriculture science and education park were reviewed to improve productivity and ensure food security. The CM instructed the agriculture department to engage with Chinese partners and prepare groundwork for implementation upon their visit.
A project focused on plastic and rubber recycling was also discussed, with plans to establish the facility within a Special Economic Zone to benefit from incentives. The CM directed the authorities to resolve site selection and regulatory issues to move the project forward.
He concluded the meeting by reiterating that Pakistan-China cooperation held immense potential for Sindh’s development. He directed all departments to adopt a proactive approach, ensure inter-departmental coordination and maintain momentum in engagements with Chinese investors.
The chief secretary briefed the meeting that several projects were at advanced stages of planning, while others awaited feasibility completion or regulatory approvals.
The CM stressed that timely execution, transparency and sustained follow-up were critical to transforming these partnerships into long-term economic gains for the province.A
