Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Mr. Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric, and toured the firm’s Shanghai facilities. He was joined by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.
Mr. Lei briefed the delegation on Shanghai Electric’s endeavors in Pakistan, including projects related to Thar coal, nuclear power, and coal-fired power generation.
President Zardari expressed appreciation for the corporation’s contributions to Pakistan’s energy requirements, job creation, and socio-economic progress. He emphasized the significance of the Thar coal project, particularly its coal-gasification potential, and encouraged further investment in modernizing Pakistan’s power grid.
The President offered assurances that any unresolved matters would be addressed cooperatively and amicably. Shanghai Electric’s CEO thanked the Pakistani government for the security provided to their staff in Pakistan. President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening security protocols for Chinese personnel within the nation.
President Zardari received a briefing on Shanghai Electric’s corporate history and accomplishments. Established in 1902, the firm is a major Chinese equipment manufacturer, recognized internationally for its innovations in energy, power, and industrial solutions.
A key event during the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Coal Gasification Plant in Thar, Sindh. The agreement was executed between MFTC Coal Gasification and Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, represented by CEO Mr. Shahid Tawawalla, and Sino Sindh Resources (Private) Ltd / Shanghai Electric, represented by CEO Mr. Lin Jigen. This landmark agreement marks the first coal gasification and fertilizer project based on Thar coal, expected to bolster both the energy and agriculture sectors.
Also in attendance were Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon, Sindh Planning and Development and Energy Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.