PM chairs meeting on Pak-China Economic Corridor

ISLAMABAD

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting regarding Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and early-harvest developmental projects in the PM’s House.
The meeting was attended by Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Saad Rafique, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.
The planning minister apprised the meeting that two working groups have been established for early-harvest projects in the transport infrastructure and energy sectors.
The PM directed that better coordination among departments should be ensured to fast track development projects. Moreover, Nawaz issued directions to sign a framework agreement with the Chinese government for funding of projects.
Various options for funding of Karachi-Lahore motorway project were discussed. The PM was told that Multan-Sukkur section of the Karachi-Lahore motorway was being built by Chinese while remaining sections would be constructed on Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.
He directed that international firms should be invited to participate in the biding of these sections and the process should be completely transparent.
It was informed that rehabilitation plan for the motorway has been finalised with a cost of Rs 36 billion and would be completed in 18 months. Nawaz directed that flow of traffic should not be affected during the rehabilitation work.
Nawaz observed that land acquisition costs for the motorway were on the higher side and directed to rationalise these costs. He also directed that a comprehensive master plan for Port Qasim be prepared so that it is fully equipped for coal import for coal-based energy projects.
During briefing on energy sector projects, the PM was told that master plan for Pakistan Power Park in Gaddani has been completed and feasibility for jetty and allied infrastructure will be completed by June 2014.
The meeting was informed that early-harvest projects, including 1320MW coal-based power projects (IPP) at Port Qasim, 660MW coal-based power projects (IPP) at Gaddani by Power China, 1100MW Kohala hydropower project, 873MW Suki Kanari hydropower project, 720MW Karot hydropower project, 3.5 MT/A coal mining project Thar Block-II SECMC, solar power park in Bahawalpur, Karachi- Lahore motorway, construction of east-bay expressway and 300-bed hospital in Gwadar and are ready for ground-breaking this year.