KARACHI (APP) - Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Division Director for Pakistan, Simon Andrews, have agreed to explore collaboration in important sectors including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, human capital development, and social protection.
This understanding was reached at a meeting held at CM House, attended by Minister for Planning & Development Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, and Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi. The IFC delegation included Ms Naz Khan and Sahar Etezaz.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Sindh’s commitment to attracting investment in strategic sectors and discussed the establishment of an international data centre in the province as well as expanding renewable energy generation for the private sector.
“We are focused on creating an enabling environment for investment in emerging sectors, particularly digital infrastructure and renewable energy, which are critical for economic growth and job creation,” said the Chief Minister.
The discussion also focused on strengthening agriculture value chains, improving storage and processing facilities, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through mechanisation.
Highlighting the challenges faced by small farmers, the Chief Minister said, “a large number of our farmers are small landholders owning up to 25 acres. We want to help them mechanise their farming by encouraging neighbouring growers to form groups and jointly benefit from government-subsidised tractors.”
Shah added, “When two or three farmers cultivating adjoining lands come together, we can support them with subsidised tractors, enabling them to improve productivity and make better use of their land.”
The IFC Division Director for Pakistan expressed interest in supporting initiatives aimed at improving human capital, particularly in healthcare, nutrition, and skills development.
Discussions included collaboration on Sindh’s stunting reduction programme and efforts to enhance children’s health and educational outcomes.
“The future of Sindh depends on healthy, educated and skilled young people. We are investing in programmes that improve healthcare, reduce stunting and equip our children with the skills needed for tomorrow’s economy,” the Chief Minister said.
Simon Andrews appreciated the Sindh government’s reform agenda and reiterated IFC’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development initiatives in the province.
“IFC sees significant opportunities to partner with the Government of Sindh in sectors that can generate long-term economic and social impact, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, agribusiness, healthcare and human capital development,” said Andrews.
The meeting also discussed addressing workforce shortages in the healthcare sector, particularly nursing.