Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

China is willing to join hands with Pakistan to ensure that energy projects being built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be completed on schedule and established energy projects will run smoothly, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday, expecting the flagship program of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to improve the South Asian nation's energy structure and lower power generation costs.

Energy cooperation is one of the areas under the CPEC with the largest amount of commitments, fastest headway and most conspicuous achievements, Zhao told a regular press conference, in response to recent remarks by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) of Pakistan.

"CPEC energy projects have improved the power industry in Pakistan and contributed to economic growth by increasing power supply with high efficiency at lower cost," according to China Economic Net, citing an interview with Tauseef H. Farooqi, chairman of the NEPRA.

The Karot Hydropower Plant, the first hydropower investment project under CPEC, and the second phase of the Thar Block II power station project both went into commercial operations in succession this year. The hydropower plan provides Pakistan with clean yet low-priced electricity while the coal-power project taps into Pakistan's coal resources for power generation, economizing local precious foreign exchange resources, Zhao said.

And, the energy projects that are technically advanced and cost-efficient help in addressing Pakistan's electricity shortages. They also serve to improve local energy restructuring and lower electricity generation costs, making signification contributions to local economic development and improving local people's livelihoods, Zhao noted.

China stands ready to join hands with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by both leaderships, ensure that CPEC energy projects being built will be finished on time and completed energy projects will go as planned, consolidating the corridor's role as a growth contributor, the spokesperson remarked, hoping for the CPEC to be built into a flagship project exemplifying the BRI's high-quality development.


Global Times