• Sindh – Chinese companies sign 35 MoUs; special desk established for investors with 10-year tax exemptions.
• “Karachi will replicate Shanghai’s economic success model
SHANGHAI (Oct 15): In a significant push to boost bilateral economic ties, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that the recently concluded second Sindh Investment Conference in Shanghai- held after a 12-year hiatus- will usher in a new era of Chinese investment, job creation, and industrial modernisation in the province.
Addressing the media following the Shanghai conference, CM Murad Ali Shah highlighted that the 12-year gap was utilised effectively to prepare Sindh’s infrastructure, policy framework, and workforce to absorb high-value international investments.
Highlighting the tangible outcomes of the visit, the Chief Minister announced that Sindh government entities and Chinese enterprises have signed 34 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), alongside numerous agreements between private-sector business entities from both sides.
Focus on Tech, Energy, and Infrastructure:
CM Murad Ali Shah emphasised that these MoUs are not merely symbolic but are backed by rigorous prior groundwork, ensuring their swift translation into operational projects. Major sectors identified for enhanced bilateral cooperation include Thar Coal utilization, Electric Vehicles (EVs) manufacturing and the establishment of charging stations, renewable energy (wind and solar), modern agriculture, and digital transformation.
Unveiling futuristic economic plans, the Chief Minister noted immense potential for cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), large data processing, and the establishment of state-of-the-art data centres. Under the People’s Information Technology Program, the province is already training approximately 1,500 youths annually to meet the demands of the digital economy.
Favourable Business Ecosystem
Positioning Sindh as Pakistan’s premier trade gateway, CM Murad Shah loo pointed out that the province’s strategic ports connect national and global markets seamlessly. To ease the doing of business, the Sindh Investment Department has established a dedicated China Desk and a Single Window Facility Centre. Furthermore, investors in Sindh’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will enjoy attractive incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday and exemptions on import duties.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the robust legal and institutional framework provided by the Sindh government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) unit, designed to safeguard and facilitate investments. He also proposed expanding cooperation between Sindh and China’s Hubei province.
Mutual Growth and Regional Connectivity:
Inviting Pakistani enterprises to also explore investment and learning opportunities in China, CM Murad remarked that current global dynamics present an opportune moment for Pakistan to capitalise on fresh investment frontiers.
“Shanghai transformed its economy by promoting investment, and Karachi is poised to scale new heights of development through a similar model,” said CM Murad Ali Shah. “With our strategic geography, youthful workforce, and robust government facilitation, we are opening new doors of prosperity for Sindh and Pakistan. Insha’Allah, we will bring the best of Chinese investment home.”
