Beijing, 3 April 2023 (TDI): Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, praised the contribution of Chinese enterprises to the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
During a recent visit to Beijing, Iqbal met with the President of Power China, Chan Guanfu, and the Chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Du Fei to discuss the progress of ongoing projects and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Iqbal expressed gratitude to China for its support during Pakistan’s power crisis, noting that the people of Pakistan would never forget the assistance provided by their Chinese friends.
He went on to highlight the many important projects undertaken by Power China and CRBC to enhance Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure, including coal-fired power plants in Port Qasim, the RLNG power plant in Haveli Bahadur Shah, and the Dawood Wind Power Project.
The Minister also invited Power China to invest in Pakistan’s solar energy sector, and the government has announced a special initiative to launch 10,000 MW.
He assured the government’s full facilitation for the implementation of the projects and the resolution of any issue.
During his meeting with CRBC, Minister Iqbal underscored the importance of the CPEC as a significant project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He highlighted the role of connectivity projects in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and acknowledged CRBC’s contributions to infrastructure development in the country, from the construction of the Karakoram Highway in 1966 to the Havelian-Thakot motorway in 2017-18.
The Minister welcomed the proposed Karachi coastal comprehensive development zone (KCCDZ) project, as well as the Babusar Tunnel Project and feasibility study for a new Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway alignment (M-9).
It is expected that the KCCDZ project alone will attract over $3 billion in investment in Karachi. Iqbal expressed confidence that these projects would create numerous job opportunities for talented youth and act as a hub for tourism, IT, ports, shipping & services.
Also read: Third China and Pakistan Diplomatic Consultations
Minister Iqbal emphasized the long-standing friendship and close ties between China and Pakistan, expressing his desire to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen people-to-people contact for better understanding between the two nations.
