Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has requested the World Bank (WB) to assist the provincial government on coal-fired low-cost power generation in Sindh. Talking to WB Country Director Illango Patchamuthu, who called on him at the CM House here on Monday, the chief minister urged the World Bank to finance coal-fired power generation in the province.
In his response, the World Bank representative said the bank has stopped funding coal-fired power generation for certain reasons such as environmental issues. The chief minister reminded him that the World Bank was financing coal-fired power generation in South African countries. "Keeping in view that instance and our dire need the World Bank must consider our request," he urged. Syed Qaim Ali Shah also said that the Bank could also help Sindh government in acquiring new technology to generate environment-friendly and cheap coal-fired energy.
To this, the Country Director assured that he would talk to top management of WB to help Sindh government in this regard. The Chief Minister also requested to help Sindh to explore the avenues of overseas employment opportunities for skilled youth. "Under Benazir Youth Development Programme we are imparting training to youth in 70 different trades. If a chunk of our skilled youth is provided with overseas employment opportunities it would be a great help to reduce our burden and shape up their career," he said. The Chief Minister thanked the World Bank country chief for showing interest in the development of Sindh and extending helping hand to the government. Earlier, the WB official held a detailed meeting with Secretary Agriculture Shahid Gulzar Shaikh and discussed the on-going and planned projects in agriculture sector.
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