Efforts to augment Karachi’s water supply through a new seawater desalination project gained momentum today as President Asif Ali Zardari observed the formalisation of three distinct agreements between Pakistani and Chinese entities in Changsha. These accords span critical areas including water infrastructure, agricultural innovation, and the tea industry.
The first memorandum of understanding (MoU) was established between the Local Government, Government of Sindh, and Lucion Environmental Technology Group. This pact specifically outlines collaboration for a seawater desalination initiative in Karachi, aiming to enhance the city”s water provision. Mr. Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Senior Minister, and Mr. Yuhui, Secretary of the Party Branch and Chairman of Lucion Environmental Technology Group, appended their signatures to this crucial document.
A second agreement saw the Local Government, Government of Sindh, and Long Ping Hi-tech Information Company commit to cooperation in the field of agricultural technology. This MoU was endorsed by Mr. Sharjeel Inam Memon for the Government of Sindh and Mr. Chen Zhixin, Chairman of Longping High-Tech Information Company.
The third memorandum pertains to the tea sector, signed by MESKAY and FEMTEE Trading Company, Hunan Tea Group, and Jiaolong International Technology (Hainan). This partnership seeks to foster cooperation across all facets of the industry, with a broader objective of supporting tea sector development in both nations and strengthening economic, trade, and people-to-people connections. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla represented the Pakistani side, while Mr. Zhou Chongwang, Party Secretary and Chairman of Hunan Tea Group, and Mr. Hao Jiaolong, Chairman of Hainan Jiaolong International Trade Technology, signed on behalf of their respective Chinese firms.
Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Investment and Public-Private Partnership Projects; Ali Hassan Barohi, Chief Secretary, Sindh; and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi were also present at the signing ceremony.