KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday called for a new phase of strategic cooperation with Shanghai Electric Group, inviting the Chinese energy and engineering giant to expand its engagement in Sindh through investments in water desalination, renewable energy, energy storage, coal value-addition industries and human resource development.
According to a press statement issued by the CM House, the proposal was made during a meeting with Shanghai Electric Group Chairman Wu Lei and senior executives at the group’s headquarters in Shanghai, where both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing projects in Sindh and explored new opportunities for collaboration.
The chief minister described Shanghai Electric as one of Sindh’s most important development partners, crediting the company’s landmark investment in the Thar Block-I Integrated Coal Mine and Power Project with transforming Pakistan’s energy landscape and demonstrating the economic viability of indigenous energy resources.
He appreciated the company’s efforts in training and employing youth from Thar and encouraged it to further expand opportunities for local residents, particularly women.
He invited Shanghai Electric to provide technical leadership and investment support in areas such as coal-to-chemicals, coal research and innovation, coal briquetting technologies, and the productive use of mine water for agriculture and irrigation.
Highlighting Karachi’s growing water challenges, Mr Shah invited Shanghai Electric to explore the possibility of developing a large-scale seawater desalination project for the city under Sindh’s public-private partnership framework.
He noted that Shanghai Electric’s experience in desalination and water infrastructure could play an important role in helping Karachi secure sustainable water supplies for its rapidly growing population.
“Karachi urgently requires innovative and long-term water solutions. We believe Shanghai Electric’s expertise in desalination technology can contribute significantly to addressing this challenge,” he said.
The chief minister also highlighted Sindh’s enormous renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar power. He invited the company to participate in upcoming renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and related industrial ventures in the province.
“Sindh possesses one of the largest wind corridors in the region and immense solar resources. We see substantial opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy generation, storage technologies and clean-energy infrastructure,” he said.
Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026
