- BRI’s Flagship Project CPEC Picks Steam as Ahsan Iqbal Takes on Lead Seat
- China Pakistan reach a consensus to shift power plants from imported coal to local coal
- Ahsan Iqbal takes proactive approach for securing vital infrastructure investments under CPEC
- Minister for Planning presents two new infrastructure projects for consideration under CPEC financing
- Green Energy Development Plan under CPEC
By: Muhammad Arif
Islamabad: Pakistan and China have reached a consensus to further evaluate, and conduct an in-depth study on shifting power plants from imported coal to local coal. “This strategic move will not only reduce Pakistan’s import bill but also facilitate payments to Chinese companies”, stated Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, while chairing the 13th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting on CPEC held in Islamabad on Friday.
Li Chunlin, Vice Chairman National Development and Reform Commission, co-chaired the meeting and praised the Planning Minister for his deep commitment to CPEC.
At the meeting, Minister Iqbal also presented two new infrastructure projects for consideration under CPEC financing that include the construction of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and the Wangu Hill Tunnel Project on the M-8. Both projects were thoroughly discussed during the Joint Working Group (#JWGs) meeting, reflecting Pakistan’s proactive approach to securing vital infrastructure investments.
Green Energy Development Plan
“Pakistan looks forward to transforming huge coal deposits into green energy through coal gasification” he added.
Highlighting the China’s support for Pakistan, he expressed his pleasure in co-chairing the meeting, extending heartfelt gratitude to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China for their collaboration and continuous support for Pakistan.
- Chinese Leadership Supports Pakistan
Pakistan appreciates the vision of Chinese leadership in upgrading the second phase of CPEC with the inclusion of 5 new corridors, said Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal.
The five new corridors proposed by Vice Premier, His Excellency He Lifeng at the 1st decade of CPEC are;
- Growth Corridor
- Livelihood Enhancing Corridor
- Innovation Corridor
- Green Corridor
- Opening Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor
Reflecting on the development of CPEC project, he said, Pakistan has completed 16 projects, with a generation capacity of 8,020 MW, along with two coal mines and a +660 kV HVDC transmission line. The total investment in these projects is around USD 16 billion.
- Investment in Mining Sector
Prof Ahsan Iqbal further said that mining in Thar has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s energy_security and economic growth. He said Pakistan now looks forward to transforming huge coal deposits into green_energy through coal gasification.
- Review of Progress of CPEC’s Mega Projects
The development highlights the commitment of both nations to sustainable and mutually beneficial development.
- Eight (08) projects in the transport infrastructure sector have been completed so far, amounting to a cost of US$ 6.7 billion.
- Several projects, including roads, Gwadar Airport, and Digital Media projects, are currently underway.
- Gwadar Airport is about to be completed shortly.
- Some 888 km of motorways and highways, financed by both Chinese and local sources are completed under CPEC
- Some 853 km of roads are currently under construction.
- KKH (Havelian-Thakot) Project
The KKH (Havelian-Thakot) project has received the prestigious ENR award, marking a moment of pride for CPEC’s transport infrastructure sector. This flagship endeavor exemplifies excellence, showcasing its remarkable quality and impact on a global scale.
- Development of ML-1
On advancing connectivity under ML-1, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal urged NDRC and NRA to authorize the commencement of the bidding process for ML-1.
Pakistan has achieved significant milestones in advancing the Pakistan Railways Mainline-1 project. With the approval of the re-modified PC-1, valued at USD 6.76 billion and divided into two phases, Pakistan is poised to move forward, he emphasized.
- Karachi Circular Railway
Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), is highlighted as one of Pakistan’s priorities in 13thJCC. KCR is set to revolutionize transportation for a significant portion of Karachi’s population. The Provincial Government of Sindh has revised the project documents, and the internal processing by the Government of Pakistan is swiftly nearing completion.
The project is proposed to be implemented under a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement.
- PROPOSAL FOR NEW PROJECTS UNDER CPEC
Minister Iqbal presented two new infrastructure projects for consideration under CPEC financing that includes the construction of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and the Wangu Hill Tunnel Project on the M-8.
These projects were thoroughly discussed during the Joint Working Group meeting, reflecting Pakistan’s proactive approach to securing vital infrastructure investments.
• China Pakistan reach a consensus to shift power plants from imported coal to local coal after JCC Meeting on CPEC.
Both sides agreed that China Pakistan Economic Corridor will enhance cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields including agriculture, industry, information technology and science.
Chinese and Pakistani authorities will hold detailed discussions to address challenges regarding CPEC.
