KARACHI (Nov 26): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah hosted a high-stakes meeting with the China-Africa & Asia Economic Trade Cooperation delegation and representatives from Louyang Modern Biology, proposing extensive bilateral and triangular collaboration in biotechnology, agriculture modernisation, and livestock development.
The Chief Minister highlighted Sindh as a “growth-ready province” with vast potential, particularly in its 14 million acres of fertile land and expanding industrial zones.
The meeting held at CM House was attended by Minister of Transport Sharjeel memon, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Minister of Fisheries & Livestock Mohammad Ali Malkani, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Fisheries & Livestock Kazim Jatoi and others. The Chinese delegation, led by Hao Yuejiao, included senior officials from Louyang Modern Biology – Wang Shanpu, Wang Chuangye, Bai Xue, Yao Shunli, and Zhang Xingwei. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the visitors and reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
Positioned as a growth-ready province:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted Sindh’s vision for industrial modernisation, biotechnology development, and agri-value chain expansion. “Sindh today is a growth-ready province, supported by strong institutions, enabling policies, and major infrastructure development,” he told the delegation.
Mr Shah invited Chinese firms to explore high-value investment opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, smart agriculture, and livestock innovation.
Biotechnology & Agriculture Collaboration: The meeting discussed several potential areas of cooperation, including the establishment of biotechnology R&D laboratories in Karachi or Hyderabad. Joint ventures in medicinal plants, organic fertilisers, bio-agriculture, and veterinary health. Transfer of climate-resilient, high-yield crop technologies. Development of smart farming systems and modern seed research centres. Setting up bio-fertiliser production units across Sindh
The Chief Minister said Sindh’s 14 million acres of fertile agricultural land and expanding industrial zones provide an ideal environment for large-scale Chinese investment.
Trade Partnerships & Investment Forum Proposal: The China-Africa & Asia Economic Trade Promotion organisation was urged to facilitate export linkages for Sindh’s textile, leather, seafood, rice, and agri-products. Connect Sindh’s entrepreneurs with African and Chinese markets and co-host a Sindh–China–Africa Investment Forum in Karachi to strengthen triangular trade cooperation
Special Economic Zones: Highlighting investment-ready industrial zones, Chief Minister Murad Shah invited the delegation to explore the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, Khairpur SEZ and Nooriabad industrial area.
The CM assured investors of fast-track facilitation under Sindh’s new One-Stop Investment Desk, along with land allocation, regulatory approvals, and incentives available under federal and provincial SEZ laws.
Livestock & Fisheries Collaboration:
A major portion of the discussion focused on livestock biotechnology, vaccine production, disease diagnostics, and traceability systems.
The delegation was briefed on the potential of Pakistan’s livestock sector, which contributes 14.97 per cent to national GDP, holds 237 million livestock heads, and produces 72 million tons of milk, with Sindh contributing 23–27 per cent to the national share.
Areas identified for cooperation included livestock tagging and traceability systems under a public-private partnership. Vaccine production and bulk packaging through a joint venture with the Sindh Institute of Animal Health. Advanced disease diagnostic platforms with technology transfer and operationalisation of the Sindh Livestock Registration and Trading Authority
It was agreed that Sindh will form a task group under the provincial Minister for Livestock & Fisheries, Mohammad Ali Malkani, to implement the MoUs signed between Pakistan and China regarding livestock cooperation.
The Chief Minister and visiting delegation agreed signing of the MoU and Joint Venture (JV) agreements with Louyang Modern Biology and the Sindh Institute of Animal Health. Resolution of operational, logistical, and financial aspects for vaccine manufacturing partnerships, launch of Phase-III investor solicitation for livestock tagging and traceability and formation of a follow-up working group meeting next week to finalise actionable plans were also decided.
