Sindh moves to fast track Pakistan-China cooperation

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2026) In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation, 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 on joint initiatives across multiple sectors and ensure timely implementation through coordinated efforts.

The meeting was held at the CM House, attened by Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, 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, Chairman P&D board Najam Shah, Secretary Livestock & Fisheries Kazim Jatoi, Chairman CMIT Bilal Memon, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Secretary Energy Shuahb Ansari, Secretary Rehabilitation, Secretary Environment Channa, Special Secretary HTP Agha Fakhar, Additional Secretary Agriculture Idress Khoso, CEO SPHFA Khalid Shaikh, CEO KW&SC Ahmad Siddiqui, MD STEVTA

The chief minister emphasised that the collaboration with China reflects a strategic opportunity to modernise Sindh’s infrastructure, enhance industrial capacity, and boost socio-economic development.

Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to translating these agreements into tangible outcomes, directing all departments to remove bottlenecks and expedite implementation.

“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 further 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.

The meeting reviewed proposals involving Chinese companies for the provision of modern firefighting equipment, including fire trucks, emergency response systems, and the construction of fire stations.

The CM was informed that consultations have been completed and a government-to-government arrangement is in process.

He directed the Local Government Department to expedite formalities and ensure early finalisation of the agreement.

A major industrial project involving coal gasification for fertiliser production in Thar was discussed.

The initiative, backed by collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese firms, aims to utilise local coal resources to produce ammonia and urea. The CM was informed that feasibility studies are underway and expected to be completed by May 2026. He termed the project “vital for energy security and agricultural sustainability” and instructed the Energy Department to ensure full facilitation.

The meeting reviewed progress on introducing modern livestock traceability systems, vaccination programmes, and disease diagnostic facilities. Plans include technology transfer, establishment of diagnostic labs, and operationalisation of a livestock registration authority.

The CM directed the Livestock Department to fast track implementation, noting that the initiative would enhance export potential and improve disease control mechanisms.

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 authorities to prioritise locally viable technologies.

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 authorities to resolve site selection and regulatory issues to move the project forward.

The chief minister concluded the meeting by reiterating that Pakistan-China cooperation holds 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.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah briefed the meeting that several projects are at advanced stages of planning, while others are awaiting feasibility completion or regulatory approvals. The CM stressed that timely execution, transparency, and sustained follow-up would be critical to transforming these partnerships into long-term economic gains for the province.