ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Power has decided to engage and meet all investors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) energy projects individually to expedite projects and remove any difficulties.

All stakeholders including the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, Alternative Energy Development Board and National Transmission and Despatch Company will be part of these consultations, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Wednesday.

After assuming charge, this was Mr Yao’s first official engagement to discuss CPEC projects.

Mr Leghari appreciated the contribution of Chinese investors in the power sector.

Mr Leghari also invited the envoy for suggestions in planning meetings with Chinese investors.

While highlighting the importance of service at the power distribution companies (Discos) level and the proposed law for private sector participation at the distribution level, the federal minister invited Chinese investors to participate in consumer services.

He said the market for service delivery at Discos offers lucrative return.

Ambassador Jing said the performance of power sector under CPEC had been a success story which had been acknowledged at different forums in China.

He specially mentioned the power division role in leading CPEC projects and facilitating Chinese investors.

He said investors in China are closely and keenly observing the fast growing power sector in Pakistan and its progress had been reckoned as exemplary.

The ambassador assured that China would keep on extending assistance to Pakistan in the power sector as it had been instrumental in the success of CPEC.

The Chinese ambassador also appreciated the power division’s decision to meet each investor under CPEC for further boosting the cooperation.

The Chinese ambassador agreed to nominate a focal person at the embassy level for coordination.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2018