Pak, Iran agree to complete power import projects soon


ISLAMABAD: 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.
These views were expressed between the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Alireza Highighlian and Federal Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar here on Tuesday.
The minister said that both the countries enjoy brotherly relations and Pakistan attaches high priority to its relations with Iran. He said cooperation in various fields of economy would enhance bilateral relations. He said that three projects of electricity import from Iran are underway. Import of 35 megawatts (MW), which will be enhanced later to 70 MW, will start commissioning in the current month while all the matters of 100 MW import project have been finalised and are ready for groundbreaking. Pakistan and Iran have moved forward on import of 1,000 MW power project. All the issues have been finalised except tariff, which is at the negotiation stage.
The minister said that all the three projects would help resolving electricity crises in Pakistan to fulfil the future needs. He said that Pakistan is also encouraging Iranian investors who are keen to invest in Pakistan in infrastructure projects. It will open new avenues of cooperation and bilateral relations during the visit of Iranian president to Pakistan.
The Iranian ambassador while talking to the minister said that Iran also gives importance to its relations with Pakistan and is keen to invest in various other projects. He expressed his satisfaction over the pace of import of electricity projects and expressed 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.
Tajik envoy calls on Qamar: The Ambassador of Tajikistran, Zubaidullu Zabaidov called on the Qamar and discussed various matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.
The minister said that Pakistan is moving forward on import of 1,000 MW (CASA-1000) project from Tajikistan and various matters have been finalised. It is a very important project and soon video conference is being held among power ministers of Pakistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan in this regard to further expedite the project.
The Tajik ambassador stressed the need for direct flights from Pakistan to Tajikistan in order 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.