France, Pakistan discuss progress on key development projects

May 29, 2025 (MLN): France and Pakistan reviewed progress on key development initiatives and discussed acceleration of several pipeline projects, including the €120 million Babu Sabu Wastewater Treatment Project in Lahore.

The discussions took place during a meeting between French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, with a particular emphasis on projects related to climate resilience, urban sanitation, and rural development.

Vincent Thevenot, Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), also participated in the discussions, according to the press release issued today.

Minister Cheema expressed appreciation for France’s continued support through AFD, highlighting the implementation of 14 ongoing projects and the preparation of seven additional initiatives.

He emphasized the significance of pipeline projects such as the Rural Development and Climate Resilience initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the Urban Wastewater Governance Project for major cities in Punjab.

The rural development initiative for GB, he noted, includes the construction of 216 drinking water schemes and 70 piped sewerage systems, the installation of micro-hydropower units generating up to 1,200–1,300 kilowatts, retrofitting of 3,000 homes, and energy-efficient construction of 700 new homes.

The minister also appreciated AFD’s grant support for water and sanitation projects in Lahore and Faisalabad, hoping for their early finalization.

He specifically called the proposed €120 million Babu Sabu Wastewater Treatment Project “a vital step” toward improving urban sanitation.

Ambassador Galey assured Pakistan of France’s full support for ongoing and upcoming initiatives and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to promoting inclusive development, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.

He also reiterated France’s support for Pakistan’s GSP+ status, which Minister Cheema noted is crucial for boosting exports to the European Union.

Both sides concluded the meeting with a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation and advancing common goals in development and sustainability.

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