KARACHI: Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Thursday chaired a meeting with a delegation of Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Karachi, particularly in modern firefighting systems, machinery, desalination plants and other urban infrastructure projects.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment Qasim Naveed Qamar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Local Government Secretary Wasim Shamshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC), and other relevant officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Chinese investors expressed keen interest in investing in various sectors across Karachi and Sindh and discussed opportunities for introducing modern technology, machinery and investment to improve the city’s urban infrastructure.
The participants held detailed discussions on the provision of modern firefighting equipment, machinery and emergency response systems to enhance the city’s capacity to deal with fire and other emergencies.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said equipping urban areas with modern and effective firefighting systems was essential for protecting the lives and property of citizens.
He said the Sindh government was working to further strengthen rescue and emergency response capabilities across the province. The government was taking measures to equip Rescue 1122 and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) with modern firefighting systems, equipment and machinery to ensure a rapid and effective response during emergencies.
The CEO of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation briefed the meeting on the institution’s requirements, existing infrastructure and ongoing and proposed projects aimed at improving water supply to citizens.
Nasir Hussain Shah said the government was giving special attention to new and sustainable water projects in view of Karachi’s rapidly growing population and increasing water requirements.
He said the government was seeking long-term solutions to the city’s urban challenges through collaboration with the private sector and foreign investors, while making greater use of modern technologies.
The minister further disclosed that the Chinese investors had also expressed interest in investing in a desalination plant in Karachi, describing it as a potentially significant development in addressing the city’s growing water needs.
He said desalination projects could help reduce water shortages in Karachi by converting seawater into usable water and could contribute to strengthening the city’s water supply system in the future.
The meeting also discussed various investment opportunities, technology transfer, improvement of urban infrastructure and prospects for enhanced cooperation between the Sindh government and Chinese investors.
Nasir Hussain Shah said the Sindh government would provide all possible support to create a conducive environment for foreign investors and encourage investment in projects aimed at improving public services.
He added that the government would continue efforts to modernise Karachi’s urban systems by benefiting from advanced technologies and international expertise.
