Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that CASA-1000 project will help in generating employment and uplift standard of living for the people of Pakistan.
Addressing the Quadrilateral Session of CASA-1000 conference in Pugus, PM Nawaz reiterated commitment of Pakistan for early implementation of CASA-1000 project adding that, “Pakistan needs energy for its socio-economic development and run its industrial sector to its full potential.”
President of the host country Emomali Rahmon, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov also attended the conference.
PM Nawaz expressed satisfaction that, “Some of the world's leading manufacturers have expressed their keen interest to provide Converter Stations for CASA-1000.”
The Prime Minister noted that, “The second meeting of Pak-Tajik JWG on Energy and Infrastructure and Technical Committee was held in Dushanbe on March 16 2017. It is heartening to know that on May 11, 2017 five companies have submitted bids for convertor stations including all leading manufacturers like ABB, Seimens, Alstonetc, etc.”
He pointed out that, “Tenders for transmission lines from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan and from Tajikistan to Afghanistan have been floated and are currently being evaluated.” The Prime Minister hoped that worked on the project would begin very soon.
The PM described CASA-1000 as a “flagship project” in the region connecting Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to Afghanistan and Pakistan in South Asia through an electricity grid. He said, “On its completion, Pakistan will get 1,000 MW and Afghanistan 300 MW electricity in summer time, from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan our two brotherly countries that have abundant water resources enabling them to produce inexpensive and clean hydroelectricity.”
He said, “This project will help bring a number of economic, social and environmental benefits to member countries. It will reduce the energy deficit, create jobs, improve trade and reduce carbon dioxide emissions thanks to the supply of clean energy. It will also contribute to regional integration.”
The Prime Minister said, “The project is an important step toward realization of the planned Central Asia South Asia Regional Electricity Market (CASAREM). It will be a good example of promoting cooperation between energy-deficient South Asia and energy-rich Central Asia.”
He said, “CASA-1000 Power Project will not only bring revenues to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan but will also mitigate electricity shortages in Pakistan and Afghanistan and increase the prospects for growth. It will also be a source of revenue for Afghanistan opening up greater business and investment opportunities.”
At the conclusion of the review of the CASA meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Emomali Rahmon had a stroll along the ice-cold cascading Varzob River where they discussed issues of mutual interest.
They were later joined by President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the luncheon. President Ashraf Ghani too had a chat with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as they arrived at the Quadrilateral summit after meeting President Emomali Rahmon.
Nawaz Sharif and Hamid Karzai walked to the conference hall holding each others’ hand. Although there was no official word about their talk, the atmospherics clearly indicated positive vibes.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also visited the agriculture exhibition in Government residence, Pugus Palace, near Dushanbe. The Prime Minister along with the Presidents of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan viewed Agri products in the exhibition.
Different stalls of fruits and agriculture items were exhibited to promote Tajik agri products. The Prime Minister praised the quality of local grown fruits. The PM and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon along with other leaders also visited different parts of the Pugus palace.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held an informal meeting in Dushanbe.
