Pakistan, Iran agree to complete power import project at the earliest

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to complete power import project at the earliest, and to enhance bilateral relations in the field of trade, energy and economy between the two countries. The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Alireza Highighlian called on Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar on Tuesday and discussed various matters of mutual interest and bilateral co-operation.
Qamar said that both countries enjoy brotherly relations and Pakistan attaches high priority to its relations with Iran. He said that co-operation in various fields of economy would enhance bilateral relations. He said that three projects of electricity import from Iran are underway. Import of 35 MW, which will be enhanced later to 70 mw, will start commissioning in the current month, while all matters of 100 mw import project have been finalised and ready for groundbreaking. Pakistan and Iran have move forward on import of 1000 mw power project.
All issues have been finalised, except tariff, which is in negotiations stage. The Minister said that all the three projects will help in resolving electricity crisis in Pakistan and fulfil the future needs. He said that Pakistan is also encouraging Iranian investors who are keen to invest in Pakistan in infrastructure projects. There will open new avenues of co-operation and bilateral relations during visit of Iranian President to Pakistan.
Iranian Ambassador told the Minister that Iran also gives importance to its relations with Pakistan and is keen to invest in various other projects. He expressed satisfaction over the pace of import of electricity projects and expressed hope for early completions.
He said that various new projects would be finalised during the visit of Iranian President to Pakistan, which would enhance the economic ties between the two countries. Ambassador of Tajikistran, Zubaidullu Zabaidov, called on Naveed Qamar and discussed various matters of mutual interest and bilateral co-operation.
The issues pertaining to import of 1000 mw (CASA-1000) project from Tajikistan came under discussion. "It is a very important project and soon video conference will be held among power ministers of Pakistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan in this regard to further expedite the project," Qamar said. Tajik Ambassador stressed the need for direct flights from Pakistan to Tajikistan to boost bilateral trade and tourism between the two countries. He also invited the Minister to participate in the Regional Economic Conference for Afghanistan to be held next month.-PR