GE expresses interest in Pakistan

E-Paper | October 12, 2026

GE expresses interest in Pakistan

The Newspaper's Reporter Published December 3, 2014

ISLAMABAD: In a major shift, Pakistan Railways (PR) is engaging US companies for improvement of crippling rail system, sources told Dawn on Tuesday.

Since it came into power, the government has mostly been depending on Chinese firms for purchase of locomotives, spare parts and other equipments.

However, now it is said to be looking towards US companies for improving the railways.

On Tuesday, a delegation of General Electric (GE) met President Mamnoon Hussain, followed by a detailed meeting with Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq and other senior officials of PR.

The GE delegation was led by its Chief Financial Officer Frederick Beras.

The US firm is taking keen interest in many projects in Pakistan especially in power and railway sectors.

Meanwhile, sources said that Rafique is not happy with the performance of Chinese firms.

When contacted, Secretary Railways Ministry Perveen Agha told Dawn that a GE delegation gave a detailed briefing to the minister and showed keen interest in many railway projects.

“We also apprised the company about the upcoming plans and invited it to participate in the bidding process,” she said.

Published in Dawn December 3rd , 2014

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meow

Dec 03, 2014 07:54am

GE is a mess.. PAk railway will never run with their money ... no takers .. too costly

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AJamal

Dec 03, 2014 08:06am

As a principle it will be a good decision. There is no comparison between the quality of Chinese and American products. I will never buy a Chinese car over a US one.

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Mohammad Iqbal

Dec 03, 2014 09:19am

After engaging Obama to repair crippling democracy, now american companies will repair Khwaja saad rafique

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saqib

Dec 03, 2014 10:04am

what ever kind of politician Saad Rafique may be,but he is working his buttocks off to improve The Railways

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Balaji Krishnamurthy

Dec 03, 2014 04:07pm

I do not know much about Pakistan Railways except from a few news report. If Pakistan turns over its railways, it could be a major milestone in its economy

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Seedoo

Dec 03, 2014 07:36pm

I know Pakistani brothers feel very proud the moment an American iconic company shows interest in Pakistan. There are plenty of companies in the world that can provide locomotives to Pakistan railways and help improve its operations. However, it is all about engaging in projects that are financially viable. Everyone wants to do business with someone (a person or an entity) that has strong cash flow and/or strong credit rating. No one wants to do business with cash strapped entities. The cancer among state owned enterprises in Pakistan is deadly and wide spread that the only long-term viable solution is to privatize all these entities as soon as possible.

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Syed Hassan

Dec 03, 2014 08:24pm

Why GE. Nobody uses GE for railways not even Americans these days. Why not talk to Siemens who already has a presence in Pakistan or Alstom etc. European rail manufacturers are much better plus they offer long term cheaper financing which GE wont be able to as US EXIM's future is in doubt these days. Whatever it is, the process should be transparent. I am sure but PR still has to follow public procurement rules.

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Omar

Dec 04, 2014 12:55am

I think this is a good move. Pakistan railways is a massive organization and it would be beneficial to diversify and involve the expertise of several international companies to help revamp this vital and key infrastructure of Pakistan. Good move!

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