Shanghai, September 15, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday visited Shanghai Electric’s headquarters, where he met Chairman Wu Lei, toured the company’s facilities, and witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thar coal gasification.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.
During the meeting, Wu Lei briefed the delegation on Shanghai Electric’s projects in Pakistan, including investments in Thar coal, nuclear energy, and coal-fired power plants. President Zardari thanked the company for its role in helping meet Pakistan’s energy needs, creating jobs, and contributing to socio-economic development.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Thar coal, Zardari stressed the potential of coal gasification and invited Shanghai Electric to expand investment in modernizing Pakistan’s transmission and distribution network. He assured the company that any outstanding issues would be resolved amicably.
Wu Lei, in turn, expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for security arrangements for Chinese employees working on local projects. Zardari reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to enhancing security for Chinese workers, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for future cooperation.
The President also received a briefing on Shanghai Electric’s history and global achievements since its founding in 1902.
The MoU, signed during the visit, paves the way for Pakistan’s first coal gasification and fertilizer project based on Thar coal. The agreement was inked between MFTC Coal Gasification & Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, represented by CEO Shahid Tawawalla, and Sino Sindh Resources (Private) Ltd/Shanghai Electric, represented by CEO Lin Jigen.
Officials said the project would not only help meet Pakistan’s energy requirements but also provide critical support to the agriculture sector through fertilizer production.
The ceremony was attended by Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Energy and P&D Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.
