The Punjab government has set up a 100-megawatt solar project which is the first of its kind a unique project, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif during while interview with a prominent Chinese newspaper.
Secretary Information Momin Ali Agha and Press Secretary Shoaib Bin Aziz were also present on this occasion.
The chief minister said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis and shortage of power has affected Punjab the most. He said that the government is working expeditiously on hydel, coal, wind, solar, gas and other projects that generate power through alternative sources. He said that the 100-megawatt solar power project in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur help in bringing some relief in the energy crisis. He said that this project which has been completed in a record period is the starting point in a long journey and Chinese companies have made several agreements of power generation through coal, hydel and other sources in Pakistan.
He further said that the project has brought a revolution in renewable energy sector in the country. He said this project will also create investment opportunities for the masses.
Replying to a question, the chief minister said that Pak-China Economic Corridor is another splendid gift of the Chinese government to the people of Pakistan. He said that infrastructure, transport as well as energy projects are included in the economic corridor. He said that by signing agreements of billions of dollars in the project of economic corridor, China has once again given the message that it wants to extend all out help to Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis. He said that China through investment of billions of dollars has proved to be a true and sincere friend of Pakistan. He said that the hearts of the people of China and Pakistan beat together. He said that the project of economic corridor is a shining example of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The chief minister said that China has emerged as the second biggest economic power in the world and its foreign exchange reserves are four trillion dollars. He said that Pakistan wants to benefit from Chinese technology and expertise.
The chief minister further said that there are vast opportunities of economic cooperation between Pakistan and Chinese province on the border of Pakistan. He said that trade and investment can be promoted through utilising Silk and other routes. He said that economic vision can be given a practical shape through the Silk Route. He further said that a solid proposal to import electricity through transmission line from this province of China is also under consideration. He said that a number of Chinese companies are working with Pakistan, however, Chinese companies can also make investment with the collaboration of Pakistani investors. He said that the project of economic corridor will result in further strengthening of friendship between the two countries as well as open up new avenues of economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
