Shehbaz pushes green agenda at Dubai WGS

Express Tribune

12-02-2025

DUBAI:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called on governments worldwide to enhance climate financing, technology sharing, and multilateral support for emerging economies like Pakistan to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS), he emphasized that transitioning to a green economy was a shared global responsibility. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to mobilizing domestic resources and implementing policy reforms to support this shift.
The prime minister invited private investors to explore Pakistan's untapped potential in green energy and infrastructure, stressing that international partnerships and financial backing were crucial to achieving these goals.
"Pakistan's energy transition alone requires a $100 billion investment," Shehbaz stated, addressing global leaders at the summit. Despite significant challenges, he noted that stabilizing the economy had been a key achievement of his government over the past year.
He also highlighted positive economic indicators and the government's 5Es Framework—Exports, e-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment—as well as the 'Uraan Pakistan' initiative.
"At the core of this agenda is energy security and sustainability, not just as an economic necessity but as a national priority," he said. Pakistan aims to produce 60% of its energy from clean sources by 2030 and transition 30% of all vehicles to electric mobility.
He informed the audience that the government was rapidly scaling up solar, wind and nuclear energy generation. "Pakistan's southern region holds 50,000 MW of untapped wind energy potential while the northern hydro projects can add 30,000MW of clean energy capacity," he said.
He said that Pakistan with 70% of its population comprising dynamic and tech-savvy youth under age 30, offered one of the most dynamic investment landscapes in Asia. "Pakistan's strategic location bridges south and central Asia and its emerging middle class represents promising economic opportunities."
Prime Minister Shehbaz told the summit that the government was simplifying business regulations, enhancing legal protection and streamlining approval mechanism to make Pakistan a leading destination for global capitals.
To drive investment in key sectors of the economy, the prime minister said, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established, focusing on renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, technology and digital economy, minerals and industrial development, agriculture and food security.
"Pakistan is embracing eco-friendly agriculture innovation under the umbrella of adaptation policy of 2023 to enhance productivity and ensure food security and strengthen our rural economy," he said. The government was also incentivising agri-innovation by deploying solar-powered systems, he added.
"Pakistan stands at the threshold of new era that prioritised infrastructure advancements, economic diversification and human development. The future is not something we passively inherited; rather it is something we actively shaped," he said.
He appreciated the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting the summit in Dubai. "Dubai is a city where the future meets with the present. Let this summit, herald a dawn of the global peace, sustainable and prosperous future for all," he said.
Talking about the situation in Palestine, the prime minister said that Pakistan believed that durable and just peace was only possible through a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions for the creation of independent state of Palestine.
Later, Shehbaz visited 'the Edge of Government' exhibition which highlighted global examples of improved governance and initiatives. On the occasion, The prime minister met with the experts, providing modern solutions to the challenges in various sectors.
On the sidelines of the WGS, the Prime Minister met several world leaders, including UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake and others.
During the meeting with the Dubai ruler, Shehbaz thanked Sheikh Al Maktoum for the invitation to the WGS. He invited Emirati businesses to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Dubai's commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Pakistan.
The prime minister thanked the UAE leadership for their steadfast support and exceptional care extended to the Pakistan community in the UAE. Sheikh Al Maktoum highly appreciated the contributions made by the Pakistan diaspora and their dedication towards UAE's development.
Also, Shehbaz held talks with UAE President Al Nahyan on matters of bilateral interest, including trade and economic cooperation and the recent developments in the Middle East. They emphasised the need for intensified international efforts for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Palestine.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
The meeting provided an opportunity to address the significance of the WGS in identifying global trends in governance and presenting actionable strategies to enhance government preparedness in navigating global transformations.
The prime minister also held discussions on bilateral matters with DP World Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. He commended the recent successful visit of the DP World delegation to Pakistan, which fostered meaningful investment collaboration between the two sides.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem expressed gratitude for Pakistan's ongoing support and reaffirmed the DP World's commitment to timely project completions and exploring new avenues for cooperation. He announced plans for an exhibition hall in the UAE to promote Pakistani products.
DUBAI, Feb 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minster of the State of Kuwait on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025.
Shehbaz and Al-Sabah, during a separate meeting in Dubai, reiterated their commitment to transforming the existing relations into mutually beneficial strong economic partnership. They emphasised the need for full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Sri Lanka Dissanayake discussed regional and multilateral matters, including re-invigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Countries (Saarc). They agreed to increasing high-level exchanges for enhanced cooperation.
Later in the day, Shehbaz returned to the country after completing his two-day visit to the UAE. He was accompanied by, federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Awais Leghari, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.