Power and infrastructure sectors: Punjab chief minister, Turkish team discuss investment prospects

A seven-member Turkish delegation comprising representatives of various companies led by Mehmat Sinan Tara, President of ENKA, a reputed industrial and construction company of Turkey, called on Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here on Thursday.
Matters pertaining to mutual interest and co-operation in the sectors of power and infrastructure were discussed on the occasion. Talking to the delegation, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Turkey is a brotherly Islamic country of Pakistan and deep historic, cultural and religious ties exist between the two countries and they have affection for each other.
He said that Turkey is a sincere friend of Pakistan and supported it in every hour of trial, adding that their co-operation during recent flood is unforgettable. He said that the Pakistani people consider Turkey as their second home due to sincerity and love of Turkish brethren. He, however, pointed out that close ties between both the countries do not reflect in economic and trade sectors and it is the need of the hour that they increase co-operation in these areas.
Speaking about investment opportunities in various sectors of Punjab, the chief minister said Pakistan is facing serious crisis of energy, which is leaving negative impact on the economy. He said that vast opportunities of investment in energy sector exist in Punjab and an autonomous Punjab Power Development Company has been established for encouragement of investors, which is working on various projects. He recalled that during his recent visit to China, an agreement of 120megawatt hydel-power at Taunsa was signed with a leading Chinese company. He added that like that of Sindh and Balochistan, vast reserves of coal exist in Punjab and power could be generated through utilising these.
Shahbaz informed that Punjab government has also planned a project of 200megawatt power to be generated through coal in DG Khan for which an agreement has been made with Balochistan government for purchasing high quality coal. Turkish companies could also co-operate in this project, he added. He further said that energy could also be generated through hydel and solar means in Punjab. He apprised that 300 places have been identified for hydel-power on 28,000 kilometre long irrigation channels in Punjab where small projects of 10 to 20megawatt could be started, adding that Bahawalpur and DG Khan Divisions are the most suitable for solar energy projects.
Speaking on the occasion, President ENKA, Mehmat Sinan Tara said that deep brotherly relations existed between Turkey and Pakistan and Turk people, also, consider Pakistan as their second home. He said that Lahore is a historic and cultural city. He also said that ENKA is the leading company of Turkey working on a number of projects in various countries. He assured that they would consider co-operation in power and infrastructure sectors in Punjab.