Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that addressing the energy shortfall was the top priority of his Government and expressed the hope that fast track construction of power projects would significantly help overcome the energy crisis.

He was talking to Yan Zhiyong, Chairman Board of Directors and President of Power Construction Corporation of China who along with a delegation called on the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan was fully committed to the timely and effective implementation of all the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “We thank Chinese ministries and institutions for their support in making CPEC a reality,” the prime minister said.

The Prime Minister said the Government will extend full cooperation for early execution of the on-going projects and invited Power China to explore investment opportunities in Transmission Lines and Hydro power projects including water reservoirs and power generation components, according to a statement released by the PM House.

Yan Zhiyong informed the Prime Minister that 100 young engineers from Pakistan have been trained in China on various power sector streams and they will now work on the Port Qasim Power Project during its life of over 25 years.

He said Power China also intends to further impart training to Pakistani professionals as part of experience sharing and capacity building program.

Yan Zhiyong said China-Pakistan cooperation would continue and the Power projects would become a source of strengthened partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister acknowledged support of Power China and said Pakistan and China have “all-weather and time-tested” friendship based on mutual respect and trust.

Chinese delegation included Chairman Power China Resources Sheng Yuming, Executive Vice President, Lyu Liushan and Executive Vice President Cai Bin.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and senior officials.