Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday vowed to accelerate pace of work on projects being executed under the umbrella of multi billion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
He was addressing a ceremony in connection with the inauguration of Matiari to Lahore 600 kilovolt (KV) transmission line completed under the CPEC in Islamabad.
PM Imran pointed out that the breakout of COVID-19 created some hurdles including disruption of supply chains which increased prices of essential commodities. But as the situation is improving, progress will again be visible on the CPEC related projects as well as bringing down the inflation.
“The scope of the corridor project is now being expanded from power generation and road infrastructure projects to cooperation in the areas of industries and agriculture,” PM Imran said, adding that cooperation in these two important sectors will help Pakistan reduce the debt burden through wealth creation.
Regarding Matiari-Lahore transmission line, the prime minister said this 886 kilometer long state of the art transmission line will help reduce power losses.
He said more investment will be made in the transmission line projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said Matiari-Lahore transmission line will realize the safety and reliability of the grid system, optimize energy distribution of the entire country and lower the electricity cost, the Radio Pakistan reported.
The Chinese Ambassador said the CPEC up to now has brought investment of $25.4 billion and created 75,000 job opportunities.
He added that the project has made significant contribution to the socio economic development of Pakistan.
In his remarks, Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar said the present government started construction work on this landmark project.
He said that the project is now ready for electricity transmission after testing phase of six months.
“Other projects under the CPEC will also be completed on time,” the minister said, expressing the resolve to address the country's power related issues.