Malaysia may increase investment in power

Investors also express interest in infrastructure projects.

ISLAMABAD: Malaysian investors have expressed interest in enhancing investment in hydropower projects as well as putting money in coal-fired power generation and infrastructure development in Pakistan.

This was conveyed by a Malaysian delegation, headed by Samy Vellu, special envoy to the Malaysian prime minister on infrastructure, in a meeting with Federal Water and Power Minister Syed Naveed Qamar here on Wednesday.

Vellu said Malaysia had tripled its capacity in infrastructure development and had also expertise in power generation. Its investors are already working on various hydropower and thermal projects in Pakistan and are keen to increase the volume of investment.

“Malaysians are also interested in other projects like infrastructure development and construction. Investors working here are very satisfied,” he said and sought details of the projects being offered to the investors.

The government offers incentives and sovereign guarantees to investors who invest in power generation. At present, the government is seeking investments in Diamer-Bhasha, Kurram Tangi and Munda dams as well as 12 small and medium-sized dams across the country.

Malaysian investors are working on a number of power projects including 840-megawatt Suki Kinari and New Bong plants.

“We will welcome investment in coal, hydro and wind power generation projects, which are future baseline projects for the country,” Qamar said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2012.