A high-level Austrian delegation led by ambassador Dr Brigitta Blaha have expressed interest of their country in hydropower projects, especially small hydro projects and electricity production from solid waste. They showed this interest during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here on Saturday.
Various matters of mutual interest including promotion of bilateral relations and extending co-operation in different sectors were discussed during the meeting. The Austrian ambassador invited Shahbaz to visit Austria. He praised his wonderful steps for women empowerment and their progress. Punjab chief minister said that Pakistan and Austria enjoyed good friendly relations but there was a need to further extend trade and economic ties between the two countries.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, work continues on the energy projects at aimed at generating thousands of megawatt electricity," he said, adding that energy projects were being completed throughout the country including Punjab.
He said that factories were being set up to produce electricity from coal, gas, solar and other sources in Punjab. He said that first turbine of Bhikki Gas Power Plant near Sheikhupura would begin generating electricity from next month. He said that projects were being completed in a transparent manner by the PMLN government. He said that there is tremendous potential of small hydropower projects in Punjab. He welcomed the Austrian investment and co-operation in these small hydro power projects.
"Punjab would like to benefit from the expertise of Austria for generation of electricity through waste," he said and called for constitution of a committee to promote co-operation in this regard on permanent basis. The committee will finalise feasible recommendations regarding the small hydropower and other energy projects.
The ambassador extended sympathies and offered condolences on the recent incidents of terrorism. She said that Austria has expertise in hydropower sector. She assured of co-operation to Punjab Government in this connection. Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Malik Nadeem Kamran, Secretary Energy and other officials were also present on the occasion.
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