CPEC to add 10,000 MW electricity in national grid till 2018: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal has said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would add 10,000 MW electricity in national grid till 2018.
The CPEC is a national mega project and would further strengthen the economy. A national consensus was evolved on the corridor as it would bring economic revolution and provide equal benefits to all the provinces, he said talking to PTV.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of CPEC was signed in 2013, but was delayed due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in in the country. It was properly launched in April 2015.
Ahsan Iqbal said the paper work was converted into reality as China was investing $ 46 billion through CPEC out of which US $ 35 billion would be spent in energy sector through private investor and the Pakistan government would purchase low cost electricity from private investor to meet the growing demand.
Some 1,320 MW electricity would be produce through Karachi port, he added.
He said, “We are focusing to update Gawador, overcome energy crisis and building the infrastructure to improve connectivity between Pakistan and China.”
The minister said the roads from Gawador to Khazdar via Ratodero would be constructed in accordance to National Highway Plan (NHP). One industrial zone would be established in each province to acquire equal benefits from the zones.
He said free trade zones would be set up in Gawador on 2,000 acre and Gawador International Airport would be constructed in upcoming two years.
Multan-Sukkur highway was also part of CPEC that would be completed in 2018, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said there was immense improvement in economy, law & order and energy issues. The country was moving in a right path of development.
He said there was massive investment in the country through CPEC. The world acknowledged that Pakistan was a emerging economy of the country.
The security of CPEC was handed over to Pakistan army and civil government was monitoring the corridor under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Replying to a question, he said Pakistan was enjoying state to state relations with China, who always played a pivotal role to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
He said Pakistan wanted good cordial relations with all countries.