P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Pakistan and China Explore Coal Investment Opportunities

In a significant move towards enhancing bilateral cooperation, Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik met with representatives from Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group in Xi'an, China. The discussions focused on leveraging Pakistan's substantial coal reserves, particularly in the southern Sindh province, to manufacture chemicals through innovative technologies.

During the visit, Minister Malik emphasized Pakistan's commitment to fully harness its natural resources, stating, “Pakistan has vast reserves of coal.” The meetings included participation from notable entities such as Pakistan's Thar Coal Board and the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, reinforcing a united front in pursuing investment opportunities.

Currently, Pakistan is mining approximately 7.6 million tons of coal annually from Thar, with plans to increase production to 11 million tons within three years. The urgency behind this initiative is driven by the nation's pressing economic challenges, including a balance of payments crisis and soaring inflation. In response, the energy ministry has established a committee to explore shifting local power plants from imported coal to domestic sources from Thar, aiming to reduce costs and enhance energy security.