President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has termed Chinese investment in the energy sector of the country vital for its long-term energy security. He said that Chinese investment is instrumental in helping Pakistan move away from traditional sources of energy to more sustainable and green sources like hydel, nuclear, thermal, solar and wind. He said, “Pakistan is diversifying its energy sector with the help from our Chinese partners. We need to focus on renewable sources of energy and also increase the use of technology in reducing carbon emissions from traditional sources like fossil fuels.”

Arif Alvi expressed these views while meeting a delegation of Chinese professionals led by the General Manager of China Energy International Group Co. Ltd Lyu Xiufeng at his official residence. During the meeting, the President was briefed on the progress made in the development of various energy and infrastructure projects including Neelum Jhelum, Dasu, Suki Kinari, Azad Pattan and Mohmand hydropower projects and Karachi K2/K3, Bhikki Combined Cycle Power Project, Jhimpir Wind Power Projects and M-4 Motorway.

He said that strong relations between the people of Pakistan and China formed the bedrock of the strategic partnership between the two countries. He termed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a multi-dimensional project helping Pakistan catch up in the critical areas of its development paradigm. “CPEC,” he said, “is helping Pakistan in improving its road, port and communication networks, besides promoting industrialization in the country and meeting its energy and power needs.” Arif Alvi expressed his gratitude towards the Chinese people and the Chinese government for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Pakistani brethren in times of every crisis especially after the recent floods.

He specifically thanked the China Energy International Group for contributing handsomely to the rehabilitation of flood victims in the most affected regions of the country.He expressed his satisfaction over the pace of the ongoing projects. He said that needs of safety, security, sustainability and longevity should be met in the realization of the projects so that they could contribute towards the long-term development of the country.The president also appreciated the initiative of China Energy for focusing on and undertaking solar energy-based projects which were cost-effective, easy to install and maintain, and gave clean and cost-effective energy.

Lyu Xiufeng told the President about the presence of the company in Pakistan since the 1990s. He said that his company was involved in 21 mega-projects in the country and that a total of USD 12 billion investment had already been made. He informed the President that China Energy had invested USD 3.5 billion in two projects namely Azad Pattan of 700.7-MW and Suki Kinari of 870-MW. He also said that his company was working for the energy stabilization, transportation connectivity and social prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk