North Indus Cascade feasibilities Is Major Leap Indigenous Hydel Resources

North Indus Cascade feasibilities Is Major Leap Indigenous Hydel Resources

Islamabad: July 4, 2017

Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif has termed the feasibilities being conducted by the Chinese side on Indus River cascade as part of recently signed MoU between the two countries, a major leap toward tapping indigenous hydel resources and a  big achievement which will not only cater for electricity requirements of the country but also provide life line to the CPEC in the long run.

The Federal Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Chinese high powered delegation  led by Administrator National Energy Administration (NEA) Mr. Nur Bekri in a delegation level talks at the Ministry of Water and Power here today.

The Federal Minister for Water and Power while underscoring the importance of tapping hydel potential of Pakistan said that the Chinese expertise in the development of hydel projects can be best utilized by developing mega hydel projects on Indus River. He said that during last visit of the Prime Minister the conversion of study into a formal MoU for chalking out ways and means to finance and built these projects is a welcome step.

The Minister said that exemplary close contact between the Ministry of Water and Power and NEA are paying its dividends in the shape of development of energy projects with smooth and reasonable pace. He said that even now when the high powered delegation of  NEA is visiting Pakistan, high officials of the Ministry are in China to continue the close liaison.

The Federal Minister earlier while warmly welcoming the Chinese delegation said that the relations between Pakistan and China has reached to new dimensions. He said that the relations between the two countries are further fostering with each passing day. The tremendous success of CPEC is the indication that the relations have reached to new heights.   He specially appreciated the close cooperation in the field of energy between the two countries.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif also suggested during the meeting to keep continue with expert level committee at different level to remains constantly in touch during all phases of projects completion so that all other pre-requisites for power projects are synchronized.

Mr. Nur Bekri thanked the Pakistan side for according warm welcome to his delegation. He termed the two countries best neighbors, best friends and best brothers. He said that the decision to take off CPEC was right decision at right time by both counties since it is bearing fruits as per the expectations. He specially mentioned the Ministry of Water and Power and its various entities for facilitating the Chinese investors in different phases of setting up of their projects.

The Administrator NEA termed the meeting on Diamer Basha Dam as successful and expressed the hope that the process will continue and both countries will further share their relevant data to proceed further in the case. HE also termed the coordination between Ministry of Water and Power and NEA as exemplary.

The Chinese delegation presented model of newly build first ever CPEC project, Sahiwal Coal Power plant to the Ministry for Water and Power.