Chinese firms evince interest to take up more ventures in Pak

Chinese firms engaged in big infrastructure projects in Pakistan today expressed their willingness to take up more ventures in the country, including PoK.
State-owned Gezhouba company, which is constructing Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), told Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that it would like to take part in the construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam, designed to generate 4,500 MW of power in Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK.
The company also said it would strive to seek financial support from the Chinese monetary institutions, Pakistan's official news agency APP reported.
Sharif, who arrived in China on July 3 on a six-day visit, has said that with support of China, Pakistan will overcome its energy challenges which would also lead to complete strengthening of its economy.

He said he was happy that a large number of Chinese enterprises have expressed their keen interest in energy and infrastructure development.
During a meeting with Sharif, Executive President of Gezhouba company, Yang Yisheng, expressed willingness to execute power, infrastructure and high speed train projects in Pakistan.

The company is constructing the Neelum-Jhelum project which was expected to be ready by 2016.
Sharif invited Gezhouba company's head to visit Pakistan along with the project proposals of their interest for the onward discussion on those projects.
Besides Beijing where he held talks with top Chinese leaders, Sharif visited Shanghai and Guangzhou scouting for more investment.

During Sharif's visit, Pakistan and China have signed eight agreements, including a whopping USD 18 billion deal to build a 200 km-long strategic tunnel through the rugged PoK, as the two all-weather allies sought to boost economic ties and supply critical oil to the energy-hungry Communist giant.