Pak-China Economic Corridor to be a game changer, says Nawaz
Islamabad, May 30: (PR) Prime Minister inaugurated the two 660 MW coal fired projects, having total capacity of 1320 mega watts, at Sahiwal today, 30th May, 2014. Sahiwal will contribute in the production of cheap electricity in Pakistan. The project will ensue a huge share of Sahiwal in the country’s GDP and generate enormous job opportunities for the local people. PM said during his speech after performing groundbreaking of the project.
Prime Minister announced that the project will be completed by 2016 and completion of the project in such less time is not less than a miracle. “We chalked out the plan for this project just two months back and the Punjab government and the Chinese companies have undertaken the development work at such a fast pace. Keeping in view this pace of work, I am sure the project will be materialized in two years.” PM said. He appreciated the efforts of CM Punjab and his team. This is third coal based power project which my government has started in last few months while I am going to inaugurate the Nandipur project tomorrow, PM said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of Karachi-Lahore Motorway which will also pass through Sahiwal and apprised the audience that it will bear fruit for the city of Sahiwal as a whole. Prime Minister also told that Rs 55 billion has been allocated for the acquisition of the land for Karachi to Lahore Motorway.
Prime Minister called the power shortage problem as the biggest malady for the country. He threw light on the steps taken by the Government to tame this malady that has hampered the development in Pakistan.
Prime Minister showed his gratitude to the Government of China’s role in assisting infrastructural and energy projects. “China-Pak corridor will be a game changer in the region. The corridor is a 2700 Km highway that stretches from Kashghar to Gawadar through Khunjrab. We are also mulling over building Special Economic Zone along the trade corridor that will lead to the industrial development in whole country. The corridor also includes the up gradation of Railways system of Pakistan. ” The economic trade corridor comprises of 10 coal power projects in Gaddani, 10 coal power projects in Thar and 06 Power Projects in Punjab.
“I dreamt to transform Gawadar into a port on the lines of Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.” PM further added. An Airport is also being built at Gawadar, PM added. Prime Minister also cited the recent energy projects initiated by the Government like Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dams each having capacity of 4500MW project, 1320 MW Power plant at Jamshoro and told that 21000 MW electricity will be added in the national grid in the next 8 to10 years. Pm added that we have allocated Rs. 35 billion for land acquisition of Diamer-Bhasha dam. I have given directions to complete the Neelum-Jehlum Power project by 2015, PM told.
Prime Minister also highlighted the positive economic indicators as the 4.1% growth of GDP, 5.5. % increase in the manufacturing sector and the surge in foreign reserves and stock exchange.
Citing the strong mandate given by the people of Sahiwal in the general election, PM said that the warmth and emotional sentiments of the people of Sahiwal are still fresh in my mind.
CM Punjab Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of Chinese Embassy, Senior officials of the Chinese companies and other high dignitaries and officials attended the event.
