Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that energy crisis has left a negative impact on economic and trade activities and the government is taking measures on war footing for resolving this problem. He was talking to a delegation of prominent Chinese company, ZTE Solar China, which was led by its President Yu Yong and met him here on Sunday. Secretary Energy and concerned officers were also present.
Talking to the delegation he said that electricity was essential for foreign investment and prosperity of the country. He said that Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive roadmap for the speedy implementation of power generation projects and rapid progress is being made in this direction. He said that foundation stone of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park to be set up over an area of 7500 acre in Cholistan will soon be laid, which will not only bring about a revolution in solar energy sector but all out facilities will also be available to foreign investors.
The Chief Minister said that nothing could be more important than solution of energy problem therefore every effort is being made by the government in this direction. He said that a favourable atmosphere has been created in the province for investment in energy sector due to which foreign companies are extending all out co-operation in this sector.He said that Punjab government has also evolved a comprehensive roadmap in the light of detailed consultation and suggestions of the experts for generation of electricity from solar energy, biomass, biogass, bagasse, hydle power and coal and an energy secretariat is also being established for speedy implementation of power projects. Similarly, a provincial energy commission is being formed for policy framework and formulation of rules and regulations. He said that China is a trusted friend of Pakistan and has helped Pakistan in every hour of need. He also appreciated the co-operation of China in resolving energy crisis in Pakistan. He said that agreements have been signed with several Chinese companies for solar and coal- based power projects and all out measures are being taken for their early implementation. The Chief Minister said that ZTE Solar China should consider setting up a 500 megawatt solar energy project in Punjab in a year and also present a financial model in this regard. He also directed that a team headed by Secretary Energy should evolve a strategy for co-operation with the Chinese Company in solar energy sector. He said that China is producing 48 thousand megawatt electricity from solar power and Pakistan also wants to benefit from Chinese expertise and experience in this sector.
President ZTE Solar China while speaking on the occasion said that his company has expertise in solar energy sector and is playing an important role in China. He said that his company is interested in co-operation with Pakistan especially Punjab in solar energy sector and a strategy will be finalised in this regard with the consultation of the concerned officers.