Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to Shanghai Electric Group, a leading Chinese company, to expand its coal mining operations in Pakistan and transition the country’s imported coal-fired power plants to utilize local coal sources. This proposal was made during a meeting with a delegation from Shanghai Electric, headed by Chairman Wu Lei, in Islamabad today.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister committed to providing full support and necessary facilities to Chinese investors to enhance their projects in Pakistan. He emphasized that the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan would not be compromised. Additionally, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral and economic ties with China.

The meeting also included updates on the progress of ongoing projects. The delegation was informed about Shanghai Electric’s involvement in the Thar Coal Mine Development and a 1320 Megawatt Coal Power Project. These projects are part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and are credited with saving Pakistan approximately 400 million dollars annually in foreign exchange.