LAHORE - A memorandum of understanding was signed between Punjab government and renowned Chinese company, China Power International Holdings (CPIH), for setting up four coal power plants of 2400 megawatts.
Secretary Energy Usman Bajwa and Vice President of CPIH Wang Zhiying singed the MoU. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Energy Sher Ali Khan, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Information, senior office-bearers of CPIH, Ms Yang Qianwei and other officials were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the agreement between Punjab government and Chinese company for setting up energy generating projects is of great importance. He said that China Power International Holdings is the biggest company of power sector of China and under the agreement, four coal power plants would be set up in Gadani (Balochistan) and 2400 megawatts energy would be generated through these plants. The Chief Minister told that according to the agreement made with Chinese company, two power plants would be completed within two years while the other two plants within three years from the date of agreement. He said that major investment would be made by Chinese company in these power plants, however, Punjab government will also make some investment. He said that all matters relating to implementation of the agreement would be settled in a transparent manner. Shahbaz Sharif said that this agreement is continuity of Prime Minister’s visit to China as we had signed MoU with CPIH during the visit of China. He said that 20 days after our visit to China, more than 24 Chinese friends of CPIH have come to Pakistan and today’s agreement is very important. He said that the electricity generated through these power plants would be added to national grid and then it would be utilized in Punjab. He expressed the hope that after completion of these projects, electricity would be available in abundance to people of Punjab for agriculture and industry.
Later, replying to questions of media, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that these power plants would be set up in Gadani (Balochistan) and Punjab government will also make investment in it. He expressed the hope that job opportunities would be available to the local people through investment in Balochistan. Replying to a question about Nandipur Power Project, the Chief Minister told that Pakistani team is holding useful talks in China regarding this project. He said that both the countries have suffered great loss due to delay in the project.
Vice President CPIH Wang Zhiying said on this occasion that Pakistan and China are trust worthy friends and this friendship has stood the test of time. He said that his company will act upon according to MoU and work would be carried out speedily for completing these projects at the earliest. He thanked Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for the excellent hospitality in Lahore.