ISLAMABAD: Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif has termed the feasibilities being conducted by the Chinese on Indus River cascade, as part of recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries, a major leap towards tapping indigenous hydel resources and a big achievement which will not only cater for electricity requirements of the country but also provide lifeline to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the long run.
The federal minister expressed these views in a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by National Energy Administration (NEA) Administrator Nur Bekri at the Water and Power Ministry on Tuesday.
The federal minister, while underscoring the importance of tapping the hydel potential of Pakistan, said that the Chinese expertise in the development of hydel projects can be best utilised by developing mega hydel projects on Indus River.
The minister said that an exemplary close liaison between the Water and Power Ministry and NEA are paying its dividends in the shape of the development of energy projects with smooth and reasonable pace. He said that even now when the high-powered delegation of NEA is visiting Pakistan, high officials of the ministry are in China to continue the close liaison.
The federal minister earlier while warmly welcoming the Chinese delegation said that the relations between Pakistan and China have reached to new dimensions. He said that the relations between the two countries are further fostering with each passing day. The tremendous success of CPEC is the indication that the relations have reached to new heights. He, especially, appreciated the close cooperation in the field of energy between the two countries.
During the meeting, he also suggested continuing with an expert level committee to remain constantly in touch during all phases of the projects, so that all other pre-requisites for power projects are synchronised.
