KARACHI: A delegation of international investors met with Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon to discuss various transport projects.

The meeting was also attended by the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Public-Private Partnership, Qasim Naveed Qamar; Secretary of Transport, Asad Zamin; Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, Kamal Hakim Dayo; and other officials.

Minister Memon invited them to invest in projects such as the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Bullet Train, Bus Manufacturing Plant, Electric Vehicle (EV) Buses, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.

The investors expressed interest in developing the KCR, Bullet Train, Bus Plant, and launching an EV Taxi Service.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the Sindh government plans to launch an EV Taxi Service to create new employment opportunities.

He assured investors of full support, including the establishment of charging depots for EV buses and taxis.

He also encouraged investment in the Bullet Train project, emphasising its priority status. He highlighted the Karachi-to-Sukkur Bullet Train or High-Speed Train as a transformative initiative that could benefit millions of travelers while providing substantial returns for investors.

Mr Memon underscored the importance of modernising the transport sector through projects like the Bullet Train and sustainable EV infrastructure.

He described the KCR, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as a significant opportunity for investor participation.

The minister also promoted the Dhabeji Economic Zone, inviting investors to establish a bus manufacturing plant within the zone. He noted that the economic zone, a key CPEC component, offers immense opportunities and assured that the Sindh government would provide all necessary support to facilitate the plant’s establishment.

He emphasised Sindh’s business-friendly environment and its attractiveness to investors.

The delegation of investors acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic position as a gateway to South and Central Asia. They discussed potential technical and financial collaborations on various transport projects.

The investors praised the historic friendship between Pakistan and China, highlighting China’s substantial investments in Pakistan. They also recognised Pakistan as a large market with a significant workforce, making it an attractive destination for investment.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024