China to complete most of energy projects by 2017
Source : Daily Times Date : 14-11-2014
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ISLAMABAD – A senior official of Chinese Embassy said on Friday that out of 19 agreements signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to China 13 related to energy sector would be completed by the year 2017.
“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Kiqiang witnessed signing of 19 agreements during Nawaz’s visit to China out of which 13 were related to energy sector development,” he said in a press briefing on the visit. He said that the agreements aimed at taking part in the socio-economic development of Pakistan particularly to bring Pakistan out of energy crisis were totally transparent and without any sort of condition.
The official assured that the agreements will be implemented in letter and spirit within the stipulated time-frame. Probably work on most of the agreements would be completed by the year 2017 particularly those in energy sector, he said. He said that the documents signed in the presence of Nawaz and Li were in line with international code of business and the Pakistani laws and regulations, he said, “These reflect the firm resolve and commitment of the Chinese leadership to further strengthen the Sino-Pak economic ties.” It will inject new impetus in their multilateral bilateral strategic cooperative partnership, he said.
The agreements inked by the two sides include on solar power production at Quaid-e Azam Solar Park easy loan for laying optic fiber between the two countries mining of 6,500,000 metric tons of coal in Block-2 of Thar, 870mw Suki Kinari Hydropower project, 1320mw coal power project in Sahiwal and a MoU for 100mw Jhimpir wind power project. An agreement was signed to establish an industrial park at Faisalabad. He said that the agreements will benefit all parts of Pakistan and their beneficiary will be the people across the board.
About Pak-China economic corridor project, he said that the work on it was going on very smoothly and the people will soon see its effects on Pakistan's fast socio-economic development. Talks are already underway for up-gradation of Karakorum highway. The official assured that China will play a pro-active role in development of Gowdar seaport. The Sino-Pak relationship, he said are based on principles of win-win situation, equity, mutual respect and trust. He said that building of strong Pak-China relationship with Pakistan is cornerstone of their foreign policy.
“We are `iron-brother' and this popular phrase is commonly used by Chinese people only for Pakistan. He termed the visit of the PM to China was as highly productive and fruitful, hoping this be bringing their relationships to a new height. When his attention was drawn towards some reservations and criticism of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Imran Khan about the agreements, the officer avoided to make any comments on them saying its Pakistan's internal matter.
Nawaz was given warm reception during his visit. He was received by the four Chinese top state leaders including President Xi Jinping. Leadership of the sides, he said held in-depth and useful discussion on matters of bilateral interest. The visit also provided him the opportunity to attend dialogue on regional activities held during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
To question, he lauded Pakistan's contribution towards counter-terrorist efforts. Military action against terrorists and the sacrifices rendered by the army personnel and the civilian in this connection are highly commendable. The two countries he said have taken a unified position on combating terrorism. The two countries have also taken similar a position for peace, reconciliation and development in Afghanistan.