PM Nawaz, Central Asian leaders inaugurate CASA-1000 project
The project which will be completed by 2018 will go a long way in regional integration.
DUSHANBE (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other Central Asian leaders inaugurated the Central Asia-South Asia-1000 power project in Tajikistan today (Thursday).
The CASA-1000 is a flagship project, and the first of its kind that will link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in electricity grid.
Under CASA-1000 Project, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will supply 1000 MW of electricity to Pakistan and 300 MW to Afghanistan during the summer season.
The electricity purchased under this project will help mitigate electricity deficit of Pakistan in summer season. In this period there is surplus hydropower in Tajikistan and thus the project will create win-win situation for all.
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Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the mega project is a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. This, he said, will not only provide economic, social and environmental benefits but also reduce energy deficit, create jobs and improve business activities in the region. He reiterated Pakistan s full commitment to early completion of this project.
He said it is a matter of great pleasure that after many years of conception of this project, we are entering into the implementation phase.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with the President of Tajikistan and discussed the whole range of bilateral matters, including trade, energy cooperation and defence cooperation.
The leaders also exchanged views on matters relating to regional and international issues of mutual interest.
On the occasion, Nawaz Sharif said CASA-1000 will prove a significant milestone for Pakistan to minimize its electricity shortage.
He said the bilateral trade has steadily risen to $89 million in 2014 from $15 million in 2011, and called for taking steps to achieve the target of $500 million in three years.
He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will provide new opportunities for enhanced connectivity and integration from Gwadar to Kashgar, besides providing a road link with Tajikistan through Murghab and other Central Asian states.
President Emomali Rahmon welcomed the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will also facilitate connectivity between Pakistan and Tajikistan and other Central Asian States.
