KARACHI: A $1 billion medical city could soon become a reality in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Thatta, Sindh, as a high-profile Chinese business delegation has expressed keen interest in the ambitious project, according to the Sindh government.
The announcement came during a visit by a 12-member delegation of leading Chinese companies to Dhabeji SEZ. The visit was facilitated by Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Investment and Public-Private Partnership.
According to a statement from Sindh’s Investment Department, the delegation expressed plans to invest across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, solar and wind energy, electronic vehicles, fertilizers, agriculture, and livestock. The proposal to establish the medical city is a standout feature of these discussions, signaling a strong commitment to healthcare infrastructure development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
During the meeting, Qamar emphasized that Dhabeji SEZ is a flagship initiative of the CPEC framework and a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan. He highlighted its strategic location with access to ports, roadways, and railway networks, making it an ideal site for industrial and commercial development.
The Chinese delegation also proposed the establishment of factories for manufacturing solar panels, inverters, and batteries, as well as a fertilizer plant utilizing coal instead of gas, aiming for collaborations with local partners.
Qamar underscored the lucrative investment opportunities in Sindh, noting that Dhabeji SEZ is designed to cater to industrial, commercial, and residential needs. He projected the SEZ as a major driver of industrial growth, technology transfer, and employment generation in the region.
The visit was attended by Secretary Investment Sindh Raja Khurram Shahzad, CEO Sindh Economic Zone Management Company Abdul Azim Aqili, CEO Global Ventures Idrees Jiji, and other senior officials, demonstrating the province’s high-level commitment to facilitating foreign investment.
The Dhabeji SEZ project continues to emerge as a cornerstone of Sindh’s industrial ambitions, with potential to reshape the economic landscape and further solidify Pakistan-China ties.
