Projects building floating solar farms, using AI to reduce emissions, converting agricultural waste into clean energy sources, and building zero-emission electric motorbikes will receive UK specialist support.
Pakistan is not only one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, but also one of the most poorly prepared. While Pakistan cannot easily change its exposure to climate hazards, climate preparedness is something the UK and Pakistan partner closely on.
Funded by the UK Government, the CFA provides one-on-one specialist support including on financial, gender equality and social inclusion issues. The aim is to strengthen proposals, making them more attractive to investors to secure funding.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:
“The extraordinary range of these projects shows Pakistani climate leadership at its best. It is also an example of the UK working in partnership with Pakistan to find home-grown solutions to tackle big issues. I look forward to seeing how these proposals progress on the international stage and wish them the very best.”
CFA, which has already supported 15 low-carbon projects in two successful cycles, will now help these projects to improve and attract investment from Pakistan and international financiers. The third cohort includes:
1. Go Energy (Sector: Power) – building a 500MW floating solar project in Keenjhar Lake. It will generate clean energy, create thousands of jobs, and boost regional economic growth while reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving air quality in Pakistan.
2. Ahya (Sector: Technology) – offering an AI-powered platform for emission measurement and reduction, with a digital carbon marketplace, aiming to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
3. Quintech Sciences (Sector: Healthcare) – aims to introduce Quintech’s bio-detergents to European consumers, focusing on eco-conscious, health-conscious, and general consumer segments.
4. National Rural Support Progamme (Sector: Agriculture) – the Biochar Project will convert agricultural waste into biochar, enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields. This initiative reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promotes environmental sustainability by sequestering carbon and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Vlektra (Sector: e-Mobility) – with vehicles designed for the country’s tough road conditions Vlektra aims to revolutionize environmentally friendly mobility by enhancing production capacity of their zero-emission electric motorcycles.
6. Pakistan Environment Trust (Sector: Energy) – is pioneering Pakistan’s first at-scale, sustainable biomass supply chain, transforming agricultural waste into a clean energy source for industries.
7. Five Star Foods (Sector: Food & Beverages) – establishing a state-of-the-art facility to produce Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (R-PET) resin. The initiative reduces the need for virgin plastic, conserves natural resources, and lowers the carbon footprint of plastic production.
UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian Begins Key Visit to Pakistan
UK Trade Commissioner for Middle East and Pakistan Oliver Christian has landed in Islamabad on his first visit to Pakistan, kicking off a three-day effort to strengthen the UK’s economic and trade links with Pakistan.
During his visit, Christian will announce significant new partnerships, including a strategic Transnational Education agreement between Beaconhouse International College and the University of Essex; and collaboration between Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust at the Novacare Hospital in Islamabad. These initiatives are set to deepen the UK’s investment in Pakistan’s education and healthcare sectors. The University of Essex partnership aims to provide Pakistani students with access to world-class education, while the Novacare project will set a new standard in healthcare facilities and services in the region.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Karachi Sarah Mooney said:
“As Pakistan’s third-largest trade partner, the UK is committed to driving economic development and addressing challenges that hold back growth. This visit reinforces our commitment to working together to unlock opportunities to benefit both countries.”
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, Oliver Christian said:
“British firms are not just operating in Pakistan, they are market leaders in their respective fields, trusted by millions of consumers as household names and making a significant contribution to the economy. We are dedicated to strengthening our economic relationship with Pakistan, not just through investments and partnerships but by working together to demonstrate the opportunity here for UK businesses.”
Oliver Christian is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan and serves as Consul General to Dubai, appointed in September 2023. He previously led the Prime Minister’s Business Unit at Downing Street, supporting four Prime Ministers from 2019 to 2023, where he facilitated over £78 billion in investment and export deals, and played a key role in launching the UK Global Investment Summit and the Office of Investment.
Before this, he was Principal Private Secretary at the Department for International Trade, helping to establish it in 2016. Oliver brings 13 years of government experience across trade, investment, and regulatory roles. He holds a degree in International Relations and Philosophy from Keele University and studied at the University of Toronto.
The UK is Pakistan’s third-largest export market, with total trade in goods and services between the UK and Pakistan amounting to £4.1 billion (UK exports £1.8 billion / Pak imports £2.3 billion) in the four quarters leading up to the end of Q1 2024.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has partnered with Novacare Hospitals to support the development of a 250-bed hospital in Islamabad, set to open in 2026. The hospital will offer 28 clinical services and aims to meet international standards for sustainability and healthcare quality. This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing UK medical expertise to Pakistan.
The University of Essex has partnered with Beaconhouse International College to offer degree programmes in key subjects including Business, Computing, and Law at Beaconhouse campuses in Pakistan. This collaboration provides students the opportunity to pursue internationally recognised University of Essex qualifications without leaving the country, expanding access to quality UK education in these fields.
