Russia and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have shown interest to provide financial and technical assistance to Pakistan for importing electricity and constructing hydropower projects. A six-member Russian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Energy Y.P Sentyurin and a delegation of ADB, headed by Director General, Central West Asia Department Klaus Gerhaeusser, separately called on Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar. Russia delegation expressed their interest to invest $ 500 million in the CASA-1000 project for establishment of power transmission system from Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both sides also expressed interest in modernization and rehabilitation of Muzafargarh and Guddu thermal power plants and conversion of them to cheaper fuel like coal. The minister welcomed the interest by Russia for cooperation in energy sector and offered them modernization of existing hydroelectric plants, participation for the construction of 500 KV transmission line for import of 1000 MW from Iran to Pakistan and other projects like Tarbela 4th Extension, coal, renewable energy, and transmission line projects. The Russian delegation also showed their interest for mutually beneficial cooperation in the power energy sector and discussed various projects for investment. Pakistan and Russia agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the energy sector and draft will be prepared from both sides in this regard for consideration.
