Ahsan Iqbal lauds about contribution of Chinese enterprises in success of CPEC
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that the people of Pakistan will never forget that China helped them at a time when the whole country was plunged into darkness due to power shortages.
The Minister made these remarks while meeting with President of Power China Mr. Chan Guanfu in Beijing after attending Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023.
Power China’s long standing friendship with Pakistan and many important projects undertaken for enhancing Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure including coal-fired power plants in Port Qasim, RLNG power plant in Haveli Bahadur Shah and Dawood Wind Power Project.
The Minister appreciated the contribution of Chinese enterprises in the success of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) while inviting Power China to invest in solar energy for which the government has announced a special initiative to launch 10,000 MW. The Minister assured Power China of the government’s full facilitation for implementation of the projects and resolution of all issues.
Meanwhile, Chairman of “China Road and Bridge Corporation” Mr. Du Fei called upon the Minister. During the meeting, the Minister underscored the importance of CPEC, the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in strengthening and modernizing infrastructure in Pakistan in the last few years. He highlighted the role of connectivity projects in sociology-economic development of Pakistan.
In this regard, he acknowledged CRBC contributions for executing important transport and infrastructure development in Pakistan from construction of KKH in 1966 to construction of Havelian-Thakot motorway in 2017-18.
The Minister welcomed the proposed Karachi coastal comprehensive development zone (KCCDZ) project, which envisages an investment of over $3billions in Karachi, Babusar Tunnel Project, feasibility study for new Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway alignment (M-9) and other important projects.
Prof Iqbal expressed his confidence that these projects will act as an emerging hub for tourism, IT, ports, shipping and services as it will also create thousands of new jobs for talented youth. He assured the government’s full support for successful implementation of proposed projects.
Furthermore, the Minister also highlighted the special friendship and iron brotherhood between China and Pakistan, which is time-tested and timeless. He hoped to promote cultural exchanges and enhance people to people contacts between our two countries in order to further strengthen our friendship and foster better understanding to explore each other countries rich history, natural beauty and cultural heritage.
