The Malaysian government agreed on Sunday to construct three vital highway projects, including Karachi Northern Bypass, on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.
Both Pakistani and Malaysian governments will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to undertake construction work on Rawalpindi-Tarnol Interchange, Rawalpindi Bypass and Shahdara Interchange, Lahore, besides Karachi Northern Bypass.
The announcement came after high-level talks between the two delegations led by Federal Communication Minister Shamim Siddiqui and Malaysian Works Minister Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu here in the communication ministry here.
In a significant move, the Malaysian government has also given a go-ahead signal to make M-4 (Faisalabad-Khanewal) project in which Pakistani authorities would share the construction work as well.
During the meeting, Shamim Siddiqui appreciated Malaysian government's contribution to the development of communication sector in Pakistan and suggested visiting Malaysian minister to construct three projects on BOT basis.
He said more than $600 billion projects in the communication sector were in the pipeline in near future. He, therefore, said there was great opportunity for Malaysian contractors to take part in these projects and join hands with the Pakistan government.
Vellu told the meeting that he would make a study of projects, whereas one Malaysian contractor said his company has already made the study of Tarnol Interchange and Rawalpindi Bypass that is viable for even BOT basis.
It, however, was decided by both sides that for construction of these three projects, MoU would be signed very soon.
The Malaysian minister designated Secretary General, Ministry of Works, who would visit Pakistan again during the month to sign the MoU with the Pakistan government.
The MoU to build M-4 has already been signed between the two countries, but the Malaysian government was not ready to build the project on BOT basis and has regretted to build the M-4.
However, the Malaysian side has reviewed its decision and pledged to make motorway section with the joint efforts of Pakistan government.
Shamim Siddiqui requested his Malaysian counterpart for transfer of technology and for the training of technical staff, which Seri S. Samy Vellu agreed to provide all types of training facilities in the construction industry and transfer of technology to Pakistan.
The minister also introduced the President and General Secretary of All Pakistan Contractors Association with the visiting delegation and hoped contractors of both the sides would make joint venture in realising the projects in Pakistan.
Responding positively, the Malaysian minister asked the communication minister to send a delegation of Pak contractors to Malaysia.
The Malaysian delegation comprised Dr Dennis Ganendra, Mohammad Azri Abdullah, Hamzah Hassan, Tan Boonseng, N. Puvanendran and Selathurai Nadseson, whereas Additional Secretary Muhammad Abbas, Joint Secretary Firdaus Alam, NHA Member (Planning) Raja Nosherwan were among the Pakistani delegation.