Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday held separate meetings with the consuls general of China and Qatar, and discussed bilateral relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project with them.
Chinese CG in Karachi Yan Yundong called on Memon at his office. During the meeting they discussed the ideal friendship between Pakistan and China, bilateral relations, mutual interests and the CPEC project.
They also talked about the Pakistani prime minister’s recent visit to China, joint projects of the Sindh government and China under way in the province, as well as transport projects, including the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), among other issues. The CG informed Memon about the initiatives of the new Chinese government. The CG emphasised the significant role of Sindh in the success of CPEC, noting that the project aligns with the interests of both Pakistan and China. He also commended the mass transit projects undertaken by the Sindh government.
Memon briefed the CG about the various initiatives and responsibilities of his ministries. He extended an invitation to the Chinese government and business owners to invest in Sindh, highlighting the region’s potential for economic growth and development.
He also encouraged setting up manufacturing plants in Sindh, offering the provincial government’s support and collaboration to facilitate such ventures. Memon said the Sindh government is eager to initiate joint ventures in the province in collaboration with the Chinese government. He made the assurance that all the necessary cooperation with the Chinese investors would be provided, and he also emphasised that their interests would be protected.
He mentioned that establishing Chinese manufacturing plants in Sindh would significantly benefit the interests of both Pakistan and China. He emphasised that the Pakistani government, particularly the Sindh government, is always ready to extend all kinds of cooperation to China.
He praised the Chinese government’s efforts regarding KCR, saying that the CPEC project was initiated due to the efforts of President Asif Ali Zardari, who is personally overseeing the railway project. Memon also emphasised that the protection of Chinese residents is among the government’s top priorities.
Memon presented a gift of Sindhi Ajrak and cap to the Chinese CG, along with a souvenir. In return, the CG also presented a souvenir to him. Later, Qatari CG Nayef Shahein called on Memon at his office. During the meeting they discussed bilateral friendly relations, mutual interests, cultural harmony and other pertinent issues.
The CG praised the hospitality of Pakistan, particularly of the people of Sindh. He emphasised that Qatar feels like a second home to the people of Pakistan. Memon extended an invitation to the CG to consider investing in Sindh, highlighting the numerous investment opportunities available, and expressing the government’s readiness to host a delegation from Qatar for exploring these prospects.
He emphasised the abundance of investment opportunities available in the region. He also emphasised that there are vast investment opportunities across all sectors, particularly in the transport sector in Sindh.
He expressed that investment from the Qatari government or private investors would be a welcome step. He also expressed the desire for businessmen from Qatar to establish relationships with businessmen in Sindh, similar to the cooperation between the governments. The senior minister of Sindh presented a souvenir, and a Sindhi Ajrak and cap to the distinguished guest. In return, the CG also presented a souvenir to Memon.
