ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Wednesday reiterated that no ban was imposed on setting up projects of renewable energy in the country rather competitive bidding process would be introduced for solar, small hydel, wind and bio-masses energy generation projects.

In response to points of public importance raised by members in the Senate, the minister said that the initial incentivize period for renewable energy projects during which upfront tariff was offered, has now over.

He said that the government was revising renewable energy projects to rationalize the tariff and lower the basket price of renewable power projects.

He said the Cabinet Committee on Energy has decided to abolish the upfront tariff mechanism and competitive bidding process be introduced as per international practice.

Responding to another point, the minister dispelled the impression that China was tilting towards India regarding China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a flagship project and part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

He said it was a bilateral project between Pakistan and China and no third country could be made part of it.

He said the project would help enhance connectivity of the whole region including Central Asian States and Middle East countries. Other counties have also shown their interest to make part of it, he said.

Awais said the project would usher in an era of development in Pakistan and the region and other countries could also benefit dividends of this initiative.