Shanghai: President Asif Ali Zardari has invited Shanghai Electric to explore further investment in the modernization of Pakistan’s transmission and distribution network. He extended the invitation while meeting Chairman of Shanghai Electric, Wu Lei, during his visit to the company in Shanghai today.
According to Radio Pakistan, the President was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. During the visit, the Chairman of Shanghai Electric provided a briefing on the company’s projects in Pakistan, including its work in Thar Coal, nuclear energy, and coal-fired power plants. The President expressed gratitude for the contribution of Shanghai Electric in addressing Pakistan’s energy needs, generating employment, and supporting socio-economic development.
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance Pakistan places on the development of the Thar Coal project, particularly the potential of coal-gasification. He assured Shanghai Electric that any outstanding issues would be resolved in a spirit of mutual cooperation. The CEO of Shanghai Electric expressed appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for the security arrangements provided to their employees working in Pakistan. The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing security measures to ensure a safe environment for Chinese workers in the country.
During the visit, the President was briefed on Shanghai Electric’s history and achievements. It was noted that the company, founded in 1902, is a leading equipment manufacturer in China, known globally for its innovations in energy, power, and industrial systems. The President also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Coal Gasification Plant in Thar, Sindh. CEO Coal Gasification and Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, Shahid Tawawalla, and CEO Sino Sindh Resources (Private) Ltd / Shanghai Electric, Lin Jigen, represented their respective sides.
This project marks the first coal gasification and fertilizer project based on Thar Coal, which will contribute to meeting the country’s energy needs and play a significant role in supporting the agriculture sector. Present at the occasion were Minister for Information and Transport Sindh, Sharjeel Memon, Minister for Planning and Development and Energy Sindh, Syed Nasir Shah, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.