Islamabad, April 11 (INP): China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC), a subsidiary of Genertec, signed a contract to augment 220kV Grid Station Shikarpur (Sindh) with National Transmission and Despatch Company Ltd. (NTDC) this week. According to Gwadar Pro, Shikarpur project, the first electricity project CNTIC contracted to build in Pakistan, is just a beginning and they will sign more grid projects in 2021. It means there’s a new Chinese player in the domestic power construction camp. It’s a landmark for both sides. Zhao Yu, General Manager of Power Grids Division of CNTIC told the Gwadar Pro that in order to improve the availability, reliability and efficiency of national transmission grid, they created the National Transmission Modernization I Project. Shikarpur station, one of the most important key parts of this huge plan, will decisively improve grid construction in Pakistan.” “For CNTIC, Pakistan is a friendly neighbour of China who has provided favourable conditions and policies for Chinese constructors. At present, as Pakistan's economy is booming, the demand for electricity for industry, agriculture and residents is increasing year by year. After the bidding, signing and implementation of the first project, our team will be greatly enhanced, and the operation of international business also will be standardized. Meanwhile, we’ll have a better understanding of the Pakistani market so that CNTIC can cooperate with our best friend more smoothly in the future," Zhao said. Shikarpur project is expected to start construction in May 2021 with an 18-month construction period. INP/javed