Qatari and Chinese companies are working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan, said the envoy. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: The Qatar government has expressed its interest in building two power plants in Pakistan for which the initial feasibility study is in progress, said Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Saqr Bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri while talking to members of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
“Qatari and Chinese companies are already working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan. The construction of these plants would go a long way in reducing Pakistan’s energy problems,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.
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Referring to the recent deal between Pakistan and Qatar, the ambassador said the Middle Eastern country was giving priority to Pakistan in promoting trade and economic relations. “This is a positive development in bringing the two countries even closer.
“The next meeting of the Qatar-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee will be held in Pakistan this year, which would be a good forum to discuss new areas of mutual cooperation,” he informed, adding that over 112,000 Pakistanis were working in Qatar and making useful contribution to its economic development.
“Qatar also plans to import more manpower from Pakistan for various on-going projects.”
Al-Mansouri was of the view that exchange of trade delegations was an effective tool to explore new areas of trade promotion.
The country already imports many products from Pakistan including rice, medical equipment, medicines, sports goods, dry fruits, leather products and fish.
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“Qatar has allowed foreign investment in specific sectors and Pakistani investors should take advantage of such incentives,” said the ambassador.
“Both countries have great potential to enhance cooperation in many fields and the Qatari embassy is ready to cooperate with Pakistani entrepreneurs in finding out new avenues in our country,” he added.
“The current bilateral trade between Qatar and Pakistan stands at $300 million, much below actual potential,“said ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh.
He said ICCI was interested in signing a MoU with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce to improve business linkages.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2016.
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