CM Sindh Backs $100 Billion Export Vision, Vows To Push Down Energy Costs Through Thar Coal, Indigenous Gas, Wind & Solar.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday threw his full weight behind the business community’s ambitious vision to scale Pakistan’s national exports from approximately $30 billion to $100 billion.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the 79th Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Chief Minister declared the target “absolutely achievable”—provided the country harnesses Sindh’s vast indigenous energy reserves to slash manufacturing costs and boost global competitiveness.
“The next battle we have to win is on the economic front,” stated CM Murad Ali Shah, calling for a unified front between federal and provincial governments and the private sector.
Harnessing Sindh’s Indigenous Energy Potential
Endorsing a proposal put forward by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, the Chief Minister emphasized that lowering power generation expenses is the single most critical prerequisite for expanding Pakistan’s industrial footprint:
- Thar Coal & Indigenous Gas: CM Shah noted that fully utilizing Thar coal and expanding domestic gas exploration would substantially reduce industrial tariffs, cutting reliance on expensive imported fuels.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Highlighting Sindh’s wind corridors and high solar irradiance, he reiterated that the province is positioned to serve as Pakistan’s primary energy basket.
- Lowering Cost of Doing Business: Lower utility tariffs will allow Pakistani exporters to compete effectively against regional markets like India, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.
Addressing Local Business Concerns & Civic Issues
The Chief Minister also addressed key operational challenges affecting the local business community:
- Traders’ Relief & Rehabilitation: Acknowledging the hardship caused by past commercial market fires—including the Gul Plaza tragedy, Timber Market, and Bolton Market—CM Shah assured ongoing provincial support and stated that his cabinet would examine solutions for Nasla Tower affectees.
- Transporters’ Strike Resolution: He confirmed that negotiations regarding the ongoing transporters’ strike were near completion, instructing the provincial Transport Department to finalize remaining details to restore normal logistics movement.
- Competitiveness Study: Earlier, BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala urged the federal government to conduct a multi-country cost comparison to realign Pakistan’s manufacturing costs with regional competing economies.
