Asia - China offers solar, wind energy technologies to Pakistan

Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan, Zhang Chunxiang has said that China can transfer its solar and wind energy technologies to enable Pakistan speedily bridge the gap between power generation and consumption in the country. He was addressing members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here Friday. LCCI acting President Yaqoob Tahir Izhar, former presidents Bashir A Baksh, Mian Misbahur Rehman, Mian Anjum Nisar, Mian Shafqat Ali, former SVP Sohail Lashari and former vice-president Mohammad Ali Mian were also present on the occasion.

The Ambassador said that the warmth in the Sino-Pak politico-economic relations was reflected from the fact that Pakistan was the first country with which China signed Free Trade agreement in South Asia. Moreover, he said, of the eight special economic zones that China was planning to establish outside its territory, the first one, Haier-Ruba Zone is being established at Manga Mandi near Lahore. He urged Pakistani businessmen to take full advantage of the free access to Chinese market and increase their exports. He said many Chinese entrepreneurs are looking to establish joint ventures in Pakistan. He asked the local entrepreneurs to identify feasible projects and negotiate with their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese envoy expressed hope that trade between the two countries was set to double every year. He said China was ready to share the technology of the newly developed color cotton variety with Pakistan, adding that Pakistan could benefit from high yield varieties of cotton and rice developed by Chinese researchers.

The ambassador observed that Chinese airlines are negotiating with Pakistani authorities for operating flights from major cities of Pakistan to various destinations in China. He said the low prices of Chinese products are mainly due to economy of scales obtained through high technology machines. Moreover, he added, labour in China is comparatively cheap. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI acting president Yaqoob Tahir Izhar said that Chinese investment is likely to increase significantly in the near future. Government of Punjab has allocated 500 acres of land to China National Power Ltd. in Faisalabad Industrial Estate (FIEDMC) to establish an industrial area including 50 megawatt power project. An exclusive Chinese Industrial Park is also being developed at Lila on the Lahore- Rawalpindi Motorway near Rawalpindi. He said some Chinese auto manufacturing companies have also shown interest in producing tri-wheelers and buses in Pakistan.

Yaqoob Tahir Izhar said that there are ample opportunities for Chinese businessmen to invest in Pakistan for it is an ideal destination to become a hub for Chinese companies to manufacture products for onward export to the world. Pakistan's investment policies are based on the key elements of liberalization, privatization and deregulation, he observed.