President Asif Ali Zardari has urged Shanghai Electric to expand its investments in Pakistan’s power sector, particularly in the modernization of the transmission and distribution network, to help address the country’s growing energy needs. He extended the invitation during a meeting with Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric, in Shanghai, where he was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. The President praised Shanghai Electric for its contributions in Thar Coal, nuclear energy, and coal-fired power plants, highlighting the company’s role in energy generation, employment creation, and socio-economic growth. He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to the Thar Coal project, emphasizing its coal-gasification potential, and assured that all outstanding issues would be resolved amicably. He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to provide enhanced security to Chinese workers, while Shanghai Electric leadership expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s safety measures and cooperation.
A key development during the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Pakistan’s first coal gasification and fertilizer project in Thar, Sindh. The agreement was signed between Shahid Tawawalla, CEO of Coal Gasification and Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, and Lin Jigen, CEO of Sino Sindh Resources (Pvt) Ltd / Shanghai Electric. The landmark initiative aims to convert Thar’s abundant coal reserves into energy and fertilizer, thereby boosting national energy security and strengthening the agriculture sector. President Zardari stressed that the project would open new avenues for industrial development while providing affordable solutions to meet Pakistan’s domestic needs. The delegation was also briefed on Shanghai Electric’s history and global achievements since its founding in 1902. The ceremony was attended by Sindh ministers Sharjeel Memon and Syed Nasir Shah, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, underscoring the significance of Pakistan-China collaboration
President Zardari Invites Shanghai Electric to Expand Investments in Pakistan’s Energy SectorMoU Signed for First Thar Coal Gasification and Fertilizer Project
