Punjab Govt - China’s Co. Sinotec to cooperate in livestock & energy sectors

LAHORE, August 08, 2011 (PPI): Punjab government and China’s state company Sinotec have decided to cooperate in livestock and energy sectors and agreements in this regard will soon be given a final shape.

This was decided in a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chinese delegation led by President of Sinotec at a meeting, here today.

Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister welcomed the Chinese cooperation in livestock and energy sectors and said that it will add a new chapter to Pak-China friendship. He said that transparency in the execution of development projects is the hallmark of Punjab government and the projects to be executed with the collaboration of the Chinese company in energy and livestock sectors will also be completed expeditiously and in a transparent manner. He said that energy, livestock and dairy farming sectors are of vital importance in the provincial economy and the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the uplift of these sectors.

He said that cooperation of Chinese company will bring about further improvement in these sectors and Punjab will benefit from Chinese technology and expertise. He said that there are vast opportunities of launching of hydel power projects in Punjab and sites have been identified at a number of places for this purpose. He said that it is a matter of pleasure that Chinese company Sinotec has decided to work on hydel power project at two places and Punjab government will welcome joint ventures in this regard. He said that there is also a vast scope of investment in livestock and dairy farming sectors in the province and Punjab and China can also launch joint ventures in these sectors.

He said that Punjab government is promoting public-private partnership for the development of various sectors and the decision of Sinotec to cooperate in livestock and dairy farming sectors is a matter of satisfaction. He said that China is a trusted friend of Pakistan and has played a commendable role in its progress. He said that Pak-China friendship is unswerving and China is such a sincere friend of Pakistan that it will be a matter of honour for Punjab government to launch joint ventures with China. He said that an agreement has been reached with the Chinese company for generation of power from Taunsa Barrage while another agreement has been signed with China’s international company NORINCO for mass transit project.

He said that an agreement had been signed with Sinotec during his visit to China regarding investment in agriculture, livestock and other sectors which is being given a practical shape with the arrival of Sinotec delegation in Punjab. He said that joint ventures in livestock and energy sectors will be executed expeditiously and he will personally supervise these projects. He said that he will always cherish the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his visit to China. He said that the progress made by China is a worthy example for Pakistan and Punjab government is interested in benefiting from Chinese expertise in various sectors.

He said that working with Chinese companies is resulting in strengthening of bilateral relations between China and Pakistan as well as promotion of bilateral cooperation. He also issued instructions for appointing Chairman Punjab Investment Board Rizwan Ullah Khan as the focal person for giving a final shape to the agreements with Sinotec at the earliest.

President of Sinotec, Jin Guang Ming said that the company has decided to cooperate in energy sectors due to transparent policies of Punjab government and the favourable atmosphere for investment in the province and this cooperation is not on commercial basis but a symbol of Pak-China friendship. He said that the company will utilize the profit earned from these projects on further promoting bilateral cooperation with Punjab in various sectors. He said that Pakistan is an agrarian country and has vast fertile lands and there is a wide scope of investment in energy, livestock, agriculture and other sectors. He said that the company will fully benefit from investment opportunities in the province.

He said that the company has held fruitful discussions with the concerned authorities regarding investment in hydel power projects and livestock sectors in the province in the light of which joint ventures will be launched. He said that Lahore is a historical city and the delegation was pleased to see the greenery of the city.

Provincial Minister for Education Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Kh. Ahmed Hasaan, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries of Finance, Agriculture, Transport, Livestock and Energy departments and concerned officers were present on the occasion.

The Chinese delegation also included Project Manager Chen Ji Xuan and Song Shuang Ping.