KARACHI, Oct 30 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday invited the Philippines and other ASEAN member countries to explore the vast investment opportunities available in Sindh, particularly in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, energy, minerals, manufacturing, logistics and tourism.
He was talking to a high-level delegation of ASEAN ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomats led by Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, at the CM House.
The delegation included Indonesian Ambassador Lt. Gen. (R) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Myanmar Ambassador Mr Wunna Han, Thai Ambassador Mr Rongvudhi Virabutr, Indonesian Consul General Mudzakir M.A., Malaysian Consul General Mr Mohd Yunus Ibrahim, Thai Consul General Mr Surashete Boontinand, Head of the Vietnam Trade Mission Ms Nguyen Thi Diep Ha, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Karachi Dr Imran Yousuf, Deputy Head of Mission of Brunei Darussalam Mr Hj. Khairurrijal Hazim, and the spouse of the Philippine Ambassador, Ms Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez.
The Chief Minister was assisted by provincial ministers, Jam Khan Shoro, Mohammad Bux Khan Mahar, Special Assistant to CM Syed Qasim Naveed, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Secretary to CM Asif Jameel.
During the discussion, the participating ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomatic representatives shared their perspectives on strengthening engagement between Sindh and their respective countries. They emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral trade, promoting investment, enhancing cultural and educational exchanges, and developing closer institutional and people-to-people connections.
The diplomats highlighted the potential for their countries and Sindh to benefit from each other’s expertise, technology, experience and business opportunities. They expressed interest in exploring collaborative initiatives in agriculture, industrial development, education, tourism, information technology, energy and human resource development.
The participants also stressed the need to encourage business-to-business linkages, facilitate trade delegations, promote academic partnerships and create opportunities for cultural interaction. They agreed that stronger cooperation between Sindh and ASEAN member states could help diversify economic relations, encourage private-sector partnerships and open new avenues for mutual growth.
The Chief Minister welcomed the suggestions and said the Sindh government would remain actively engaged with ASEAN diplomatic missions to translate the shared interest into practical cooperation. He said regular interaction, knowledge-sharing and institutional collaboration would help both sides benefit from their respective strengths and expertise.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah invited the Philippines and other ASEAN member states to tap into the province’s diverse investment potential, particularly in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, energy, minerals, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. He assured the visiting diplomats of the Sindh government’s full support and facilitation for prospective investors, saying that stronger economic ties, expanded trade and increased private-sector collaboration would pave the way for mutually beneficial partnerships and shared prosperity.
Welcoming the delegation, CM Murad Ali Shah said Sindh, particularly Karachi, offered considerable opportunities for international investors because of its strategic location, established industrial base, port infrastructure, skilled workforce and access to a large domestic market.
He said the provincial government was committed to creating a business-friendly environment and facilitating foreign investors through coordinated institutional support, improved governance and investment-friendly policies.
Strengthening Pakistan-Philippines relations
Discussing Pakistan-Philippines relations, the Chief Minister noted that the two countries had enjoyed longstanding friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1949. He said cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, defence and technology could further strengthen the relationship.
He appreciated the Philippine government’s interest in expanding bilateral trade and said Sindh was ready to play an active role in translating the existing goodwill into practical economic partnerships.
Referring to the second meeting of the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Economic Commission, held in Manila on February 19, 2026, the Chief Minister said institutional mechanisms such as the commission and proposed investment cooperation arrangements could help identify new opportunities, encourage business delegations and promote joint ventures.
He said the interest expressed by the Philippine Ambassador in increasing bilateral trade to $500 million reflected the considerable potential for expanding economic engagement between the two countries.
Sindh offers diverse investment opportunities
The Chief Minister highlighted agriculture and food security as important areas for cooperation, particularly in rice trade, seed development, agricultural technology, food processing and modern farming practices.
He said Sindh could also offer attractive opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare, halal food processing, industrial development, energy, minerals, information technology and logistics.
CM Murad Ali Shah said Karachi, as Pakistan’s principal commercial and financial centre, provided international businesses with access to major markets, port facilities, industrial infrastructure and established commercial networks.
He invited ASEAN companies to explore investment opportunities in Sindh’s industrial zones and develop partnerships with local businesses through joint ventures, technology transfer and private-sector collaboration.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in tourism, education, vocational training and cultural exchanges, saying closer people-to-people contacts would complement economic and diplomatic relations.
The Chief Minister directed the relevant provincial institutions, particularly the Investment Department, to facilitate engagement with ASEAN countries and provide interested companies with comprehensive information about investment opportunities, industrial zones and potential business partnerships.
He said the provincial government was ready to coordinate business-to-business meetings, facilitate interaction between investors and relevant departments, and provide necessary assistance to companies interested in establishing businesses or expanding their operations in Sindh.
He emphasised that sustained engagement between the provincial government, diplomatic missions and business communities was essential to converting investment interest into tangible projects.
The Chief Minister said Sindh attached great importance to its relations with ASEAN member countries and looked forward to strengthening cooperation through regular diplomatic engagement, trade delegations and investment-focused initiatives.
The visiting diplomats appreciated the interaction and discussed avenues for enhancing economic, commercial and institutional cooperation between Sindh and their respective countries.
They expressed interest in exploring opportunities for greater trade, investment, business-to-business engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement between Sindh and ASEAN countries and explore practical ways to promote investment, expand trade and develop mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
