Body to develop plans for power projects

Will come up with recommendations in two weeks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited will constitute a six-member joint working group, which will submit proposals within two weeks for signing a memorandum of understanding  (MoU) and establishing joint working relationships for developing hydroelectric power projects.

The decision was taken in a meeting held between Minister of Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and China Three Gorges International Corporation’s Board Chairman Dr Lu Guojon.

Wapda Chairman Zafar Mahmood and senior officials of the water and power ministry were also present in the meeting.

The decision comes following the keen interest expressed by Chinese companies in developing hydroelectric power projects on the upper Indus, particularly the construction of Thakot, Patten and Bunji dams.

Speaking on the occasion, Asif reiterated the government’s commitment to solving the energy crisis on a priority basis. He assured the Chinese company of full support of the government and directed the Wapda chairman to facilitate Chinese investors in all respects.

He praised the Chinese government’s assistance for infrastructure development in Pakistan and expressed the hope that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would integrate the entire region and would be a source of progress and prosperity for about half of the world population.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th,  2015.

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