Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ In a significant development, China has announced its plan to invest $1 billion in Pakistan’s healthcare sector, marking a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral ties and boosting economic growth. President Asif Ali Zardari and a high-level Chinese business delegation made this announcement during a meeting at Bilawal House in Karachi. Pakistan will direct the investment towards the establishment of a state-of-the-art medical city. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure and set a new benchmark for medical services in the region. During the Chinese delegation’s visit to the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sindh, Consul General Yang Yundong shared a broader investment plan that includes the project.
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Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Investment and Public-Private Partnerships, hosted the delegation of 12 leading Chinese companies that visited Dhabeji SEZ. According to a statement from Sindh’s Investment Department, the delegation expressed interest in investing in a variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, fertilizers, agriculture, and livestock. Additionally, the proposal to establish a medical city in Pakistan is a standout feature of these discussions and reflects China’s strong commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This investment would not only improve healthcare services but also generate jobs and foster technological advancements in the sector.
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Qasim Naveed Qamar highlighted the abundant investment opportunities in Sindh, emphasizing that the Dhabeji SEZ is strategically designed to cater to industrial, commercial, and residential needs. He projected that the SEZ would act as a catalyst for industrial growth, technology transfer, and employment generation, playing a vital role in the region’s economic development. China has long been considered a trusted partner by Pakistan, contributing to the country’s development through numerous investments and projects, notably the CPEC. Described as a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy, CPEC has played a crucial role in boosting trade and infrastructure in the country. Additionally, a report from the World Bank revealed that China is Pakistan’s largest creditor, holding nearly 22% of the nation’s external debt, amounting to approximately PKR 29 billion.
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During the meeting, President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment and welcomed China’s active role in the country’s economic growth. He also reaffirmed the importance of the Gawadar Port, which he envisaged as a regional trade and economic hub to enhance connectivity and regional cooperation. “The development of Gawadar Port and the broader infrastructure under CPEC will be central to boosting regional trade and promoting economic integration,” said Zardari. He expressed confidence that Chinese investments would bring long-term benefits to Pakistan’s economy, particularly in key sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture.
In addition to the healthcare sector, the Chinese delegation expressed interest in making diversified investments across Pakistan’s agricultural, energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors. These investments are expected to create a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and development. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with provincial ministers, including Sharjeel Inam Memon (Minister for Transport), Nasir Hussain Shah (Minister for Energy), and Qasim N Qamar, Special Assistant to the CM for Investment, also attended the meeting. They expressed their full support for facilitating Chinese investments and ensuring the success of these initiatives. As the two countries continue to deepen their economic ties, China’s $1 billion investment in Pakistan’s healthcare sector serves as a testament to the growing partnership between the two nations. This investment, along with other plans across multiple sectors, will play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s long-term development objectives, fostering technological advancement, and creating employment opportunities.
