– CPEC forum to discuss proposed power projects of 3144 MW
ISLAMABAD: Like the 1st meeting of Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) on The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is likely to meet next month, concerned joint teams prepared list of projects for discussion in specified meeting.
According to officials, at a meeting at the ministry of Development planning and special initiatives on Tuesday various projects, including three energy projects, have been completed to provide in in next JCC.
During the meeting, the Energy Division highlighted the agenda for upcoming 9th joint energy work group meeting is planned in 1st week of August. It was reported that HPP Kohala with a capacity of 1124 MW and HPP Azad Pattan with a capacity of 700.7 MW, as well as Thar Coal with a capacity of 1320 MW power factory project will be accepted up with Chinese side in in next scheduling groupmeeting.
Joint study for in future development of Tar Cole has also was made part of Agenda. The Minister stressed that measures have been taken to ensure sufficient power for Gwadar city and stressed need for renewable energy projects for Gwadar city development in in future.
According to officials, the meeting also projects under discussion in agriculture and socio-economic sphere for upcoming 11th JCC meeting. In the agricultural sector, it was highlighted that China’s expanding agricultural production market provides significant potential for Pakistani export.
Modernization and mechanization of Agriculture in Pakistan should carry out in context of CPEC, as well as other measures that allow agricultural development and click on Chinese market for mutual benefit of two countries. FMD and quarantine issues were highlighted as important barriers. in export of meat to China by the representative of M/o National Food Security, who informed the chairman that they were being approached on a priority with Chinese help.
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (IC&T) also briefed the meeting on Agenda of upcoming 2nd JWG on THIS IS with focus on ICT infrastructure development, policy and regulations, human resources development, and cybersecurity. Minister for planning emphasized need for cooperation with China in IT sector as China has taken the lead in Artificial intelligence and collaboration with China in this field has great prospects for Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Sohail Mahmoud held a detailed briefing. on The 3rd meeting of the AWG on International Cooperation and Coordination took place virtually on On July 22, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that China appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to ensure a safe and unhindered business environment and the commitment of our leadership building CPEC with Pakistani speed.
Thirdly-party participation and expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan were also discussed. It was also indicated out that collaboration between thematic think tanks on both sides should to encourage further deepening of strategic economic cooperation within the framework of the CPEC. The minister was also notified of events planned to promote CPEC storytelling on national & global levels.
The meeting held in review in progress made in preparation for the 11th JCC meeting is expected to be convened next month chaired by Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Development planning and special initiatives. provinces and special P&D departments of the regions, as well as other stakeholders from all over the country, also virtually attended the meeting.
