Pakistan puts CPEC in cold storage due to influence from West

[Shahzaz ud din]

Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line project under CPEC is making progress amid COVID-19
June 10, 2020

SOURCEnation.com.pk


CPEC is making progress amid the outbreak of COVID-19. The China Electric Power Equipment & Technology Co. Ltd. (CET) has ensured safe execution of Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line project under CPEC. The CET has adopted all safety measures to ensure the timely completion of this project. Moreover, to support the poor and underprivileged families of the local community located around project’s site, the CET has provided food packages to district administration of Nankana (Balloki) and Matiari separately to be distributed among needy people.

LAHORE – With the graph of COVID-19 continuing to rise at a fast pace, the state of uncertainty prevailing due to partial lock down and related future of daily wagers, the situation has never gone so unpredictable as is now in Pakistan.In these hard times, the project management of China Electric Power Equipment & Technology Co., Ltd (CET) decided to support the much needed, poor and underprivileged persons and families of the local community around its two major installations of Balloki and Matiari Converter Stations located in the province of Punjab and Sindh respectively, under Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

In this respect, the CET handed over 10000 kg of flour and 10000 kg of best quality rice (500 bags each of 20 kg) to Local District Administrations of District Nankana (Balloki) and Matiari separately to be distributed among needy people of the area.

The District Administration of both the districts, appreciated this gesture of CET and extended their sincere thanks and appreciation on receipt of much needed commodities donated for the poor and needy populace of their Districts. They also applauded this very gesture of kindness and brother hood exhibited by the Company which will definitely make the difference in creating harmonious and stronger friendship between China and Pakistan.

It is worth mentioning that CET which is the wholly owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) is executing a CPEC Project in Pakistan by the name of Pak Matiari-Lahore ±660 KV HVDC Transmission Line Project. The project which is the first of its kind in Pakistan, with a total investment of US$1.7 billion will provide economical solution for large distance bulk power transfer with low losses and enhanced system reliability. The management of CET is committed towards completion of this project in March 2021.

In this regards, maximum possible efforts are being made to follow the health and safety procedures even during ascending coronavirus situation within Pakistan. Right now, about 4600 Pakistani workers are employed in this project and after commissioning of its operation, it will provide electricity to 4 million families of Pakistan.

 

[airmarshal]

Kaiser Bengali a pro PPP economist and Dawn, a newspaper not know for favorable news coverage on Pakistan. A match made in heaven.

 

[Shahzaz ud din]

Work begins on CPEC western route
June 15, 2020

SOURCEdunyanews.tv


Federal Minister for Communication Murad Saeed has underlined the fast track implementation of projects under CPEC. Government has prioritized the completion of work on Havelian, Thakot, Multan and Sukkur routes. Federal Minister informed that work on CPEC western route has begun and the government has approved DI Khan-Zhob road, as a part of the western route. Federal Minister further said the public-private partnership has made the construction of roads cost-effective.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Communication Murad Saeed has said that work has begun on western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Murad Saeed, while addressing a press conference, said that pace of work on CPEC has increased and new projects are also being launched and government has approved DI Khan-Zhob road under CPEC’s western route, which was demand of smaller provinces.

The minister informed that tender for Hyderabad and Sukkur Motorways will be held this year. He further said that roads of 1800 kilometers will be constructed without any burden on national exchequer while areas located on GT Road will also be connected to Motorways.

Murad Saeed said that less money is being spent on roads as compared to previous governments as more roads are being constructed under public-private partnership. Projects in Sindh, South Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were government’s priority, he added.

The federal minister further said that 57 projects have been included in this year’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). He added that work on Havelian, Thakot, Multan and Sukkur routes was completed on priority basis and now a motorway will be constructed from Peshawar to DI Khan.

Government is set to expedite work on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC
June 14, 2020

SOURCEapp.com.pk


Timely completion of CPEC is among the top priorities of the government. After successful completion of key projects in the 1st phase, the 2nd phase will focus on the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZ), strengthening trade and cooperation in various sectors including agriculture and technology. To accelerate the development and operations of SEZs, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) have decided to ensure gas supply to Rashakai SEZ in KP, Dhabeji in Thatta, Sindh, and Bin Qasim Industrial Park under CPEC.

Meanwhile, Annual Development Plan (ADP) 2020-21 noted that the construction of Matiari-Lahore +660 kV HVDC Transmission Line under CPEC would strengthened the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC). Moreover, Pakistan-China cooperation has expanded to renewable energy development. ACT Wind Pvt Ltd, a major developer of wind energy in Pakistan, has been collaborating with Xinjiang Goldwind Science Technology Company.

ISLAMABAD, June 12 (APP):The two state companies, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), have provided gas connections to 430,145 consumers during the fiscal year 2019-20. The companies also laid more than 5,000 kilometer transmission and distribution pipelines in their respective jurisdiction.

The SNGPL has planned to execute a 29-KM pipeline project for supply of 30 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD) gas to Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ), while the SSGC would implement projects for supply of 13.5 MMCFD and 13 MMCFD gas to Dhabeji and Bin Qasim Industrial Park, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Sindh, according to the Annual Development Plan (ADP) 2020-21.

For the next fiscal year, the government has set a target to produce 31.12 million barrel oil and 1.58 trillion cubic feet gas, while the gap between demand and production would be supplemented through Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Pakistan Oilfields Limited imports.

As per official data, there is a gap of over two Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCFD) gas between production and demand of the commodity to meet requirements of more than 9.6 million consumers across the country.The country’s indigenous natural gas production is around 4 BCFD against an unconstrained demand of over 6 BCFD.

While, the total consumption of petroleum products in the country stood at 19.68 Million Tons (MTs) during the fiscal year 2019-20, out of which 11.59 MTs was achieved through local refineries and 8.09 MT through import.

June 13, 2020 – An addition of 3,933 MW is planned to increase electricity by June 2021 as per Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2047 envisaged by National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC)/Power Division.

According to Annual Development Plan (ADP) 2020-21, the NTDC transmission system will be strengthened by adding 4,445 MVA through construction of Matiari-Lahore +660 kV HVDC Transmission Line of total length 880 km (4,000 MW) during 2020-21 for evacuation of additional power generation.

Further, 94km Transmission Line will be added on 500 kV. New Projects for Electricity and Gas Supply to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (Dhabeji, Rashakai and Hattar). Furthermore, under the public private partnership joint venture project between Government of Sindh and Engro Group, the SECMC/Engro Power achieved the target of 660 MW by June 2019 with open-pit coal mine in Tharparkar district.

However, the challenges confronting by the Energy sector are multi-dimensional in nature that included, high cost power generation, higher transmission and distribution losses, gas demand and supply gap and poor revenue collection.

These factors consequently give rise to higher tariffs resulting in higher subsidies and circular debt, particularly in Power sector.

The overall energy supply situation in the country has been improved through addition of 1,441 MW generation capacity in the national grid by June, 2020.

However, in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, as per NTDC (NPCC) statistics, energy consumption in March 2020 declined (Electricity by 4,000 MW, and petroleum products by 30 percent to 35 percent) mainly due to commercial and Industrial shutdown.

Jue 13, 2020 – ACT Wind Pvt Ltd, a major developer of wind energy in Pakistan, has signed a contract with Xinjiang Goldwind Science Technology Company to acquire 50MW suite of wind turbine for the Phase II ACT project, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday.

The suite is comprised 20 turbines with each having a capacity of 2.5MW. It’s the second time the two companies stroke a deal. The first came into effect 4 years ago when ACT project Phase I of 30 MW adopted Goldwind’s wind turbines, which have been in secure and stable operation since then.

ACT project Phase I is first of the many power projects jointly owned and operated by Tapal Group, Akhtar Group and Ismail Industries.

The plant comprises of 20 wind turbines having a combined capacity to produce 30MW of electricity (each having a capacity of 1.5MW ).

The project achieved its Commercial Operations Date on 8th October, 2016. The ACT project Phase II is set to be located in Jhimpir, known as “the pathway of wind” in Sindh Province.

Goldwind was the first Chinese wind turbine producer to enter into the Pakistani market in 2013. It has customized high-temperature wind turbine for Pakistan that boasts average availability of over 99% in a long term.

Meanwhile, Goldwind has cultivated local talents with knowledge and skills on operation, maintenance, and examination of wind power plant.

With an edge in providing products that feature high-adaptability to the environment and stable operation, Goldwind has grown to become a model for local wind power projects.

So far, Goldwind has played a part in the investment and operation of 6 power plants in Pakistan. With the order of ACT Phase II project to be implemented, new installment of wind generators in Pakistan provided by Goldwind will reach 150MW by 2022, and the total installment will register 477MW. Such an amount of environment-friendly wind energy is estimated to provide 1.5 billion (Kwh) of electricity, alleviating the power shortage in a greener way.

CPEC moving forward despite COVID-19 crises
June 15, 2020

SOURCEPCI


Although Pakistan is facing a difficult time with the outbreak of COVID-19 and locust swarm, the pace of CPEC related projects remains unaffected. CPEC is making progress and contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Due to the construction of Lahore-Abdul Hakim Motorway, the travel distance from Lahore to Multan is now only two and a half hours. The realignment of Karakoram Highway under CPEC is also being completed on a fast track.

 

[El Sidd]

CPEC has more or less stalled due to Government's IMF capitulation.

The continued obsession of the government with the witch hunt of corruption and now the pandemic is more of sabotage than governance.

CPEC should have been the first out of pandemic as it is the most natural trade route of the world.

 

[Aspen]

Also Kaiser Bengali 3 years ago:

https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/563925-cpec-game-changer-game

As I said. I have seen a few in Pakistan who seem to be engaged in spreading discontent and discord.

Take off your rose colored glasses.

He hit the nail on the head on certain things.

He is right that Pakistan does not have a cohesive long-term economic vision. I am biggest supporter of CPEC but Pakistan is not investing in the right places. CPEC will solve some problems but it is a short term solution to a long term problem.

CPEC is great for upgrading infrastructure but many Pakistanis including a lot of foolish people on PDF think that it will be the solution for our long-term economy which is not true. CPEC is not free, infrastructure in particular is prohibitively expensive. CPEC is not going to transform Pakistan from an agricultural based economy to a manufacturing and industrial based economy unless the gov't takes action to move in that direction.

Pakistan has always ignored manufacturing and heavy industrial sector since 1947, and that is why our economy is in so much trouble today. Agricultural base of Pakistan cannot even feed the country properly.

If Pakistan had bothered to invest in manufacturing and heavy industry to export, we wouldn't need CPEC because we would've had that money to invest ourselves without needing a loan.

 

[nahtanbob]

You are as always wrong. Hiding behind conspiracy theories. CPEC is absolutely in full motion. Both Pak armed forces and the civilian government fully support CPEC project.

Is there any reason to go to the IMF for a few billion when China is sitting on trillion plus dollars ?

Take off your rose colored glasses.

He hit the nail on the head on certain things.

He is right that Pakistan does not have a cohesive long-term economic vision. I am biggest supporter of CPEC but Pakistan is not investing in the right places. CPEC will solve some problems but it is a short term solution to a long term problem.

CPEC is great for upgrading infrastructure but many Pakistanis including a lot of foolish people on PDF think that it will be the solution for our long-term economy which is not true. CPEC is not free, infrastructure in particular is prohibitively expensive.

Pakistan has always ignored manufacturing and heavy industrial sector since 1947, and that is why our economy is in so much trouble today. Agricultural base of Pakistan cannot even feed the country properly.

If Pakistan had bothered to invest in manufacturing and heavy industry to export, we wouldn't need CPEC because we would've had that money to invest ourselves without needing a loan.

Saudis have great infrastructure. Tell us what manufacturing outside of petroleum based products is done in Saudi Arabia

 

[Bilal.]

Take off your rose colored glasses.

He hit the nail on the head on certain things.

He is right that Pakistan does not have a cohesive long-term economic vision. I am biggest supporter of CPEC but Pakistan is not investing in the right places. CPEC will solve some problems but it is a short term solution to a long term problem.

CPEC is great for upgrading infrastructure but many Pakistanis including a lot of foolish people on PDF think that it will be the solution for our long-term economy which is not true. CPEC is not free, infrastructure in particular is prohibitively expensive.

Pakistan has always ignored manufacturing and heavy industrial sector since 1947, and that is why our economy is in so much trouble today. Agricultural base of Pakistan cannot even feed the country properly.

If Pakistan had bothered to invest in manufacturing and heavy industry to export, we wouldn't need CPEC because we would've had that money to invest ourselves without needing a loan.

So now CPEC is bad? Do you know about phase 2 and SEZs? And at first the argument was we are not implementing it fast enough and now it’s all in the wrong direction?

I am sorry but your argument is quite inconsistent and tangential.

 

[Morpheus]

It hasn't been canceled, it's being silently neglected. This is worst kept secret of Pakistan.

Pakistan is either not as interested in CPEC as China or doesn't have money to pay back the loans.

CPEC progress in last few years has been very lukewarm and there is not much to show for it.

Very concerning to say the least.

If you open this link, it gives all the details. All the progress of each project, what stage it is at, project completion date, etc

http://cpec.gov.pk/

They even made it easy to navigate by categories the project (infrastructure, power, etc)

 

[nahtanbob]

Pakistan doesn't have too many baskets to choose from.

This is about not being in servitude

 

[El Sidd]

Take off your rose colored glasses.

He hit the nail on the head on certain things.

He is right that Pakistan does not have a cohesive long-term economic vision. I am biggest supporter of CPEC but Pakistan is not investing in the right places. CPEC will solve some problems but it is a short term solution to a long term problem.

CPEC is great for upgrading infrastructure but many Pakistanis including a lot of foolish people on PDF think that it will be the solution for our long-term economy which is not true. CPEC is not free, infrastructure in particular is prohibitively expensive. CPEC is not going to transform Pakistan from an agricultural based economy to a manufacturing and industrial based economy unless the gov't takes action to move in that direction.

Pakistan has always ignored manufacturing and heavy industrial sector since 1947, and that is why our economy is in so much trouble today. Agricultural base of Pakistan cannot even feed the country properly.

If Pakistan had bothered to invest in manufacturing and heavy industry to export, we wouldn't need CPEC because we would've had that money to invest ourselves without needing a loan.

CPEC has agricultural projects in parallel with infrastructure projects.

You will get your Iran corridor once Iran starts behaving. Have patience and preach to them first.

 

[Bilal.]

CPEC has agricultural projects in parallel with infrastructure projects.

You will get your Iran corridor once Iran starts behaving. Have patience and preach to them first.

What Iran corridor? Am I missing something?

 

[El Sidd]

What Iran corridor? Am I missing something?

The persons post and political history.

 

[Aspen]

Saudis have great infrastructure. Tell us what manufacturing outside of petroleum based products is done in Saudi Arabia

That's exactly my point, infrastructure is useless to transform your economy from agriculture/oil economy to manufacturing/industrial economy. Saudis made the same mistake as Pakistan by investing in infrastructure first and economy later.

Iran made full transition from oil economy to manufacturing and industrial economy because they focused more on educating people than upgrading infrastructure. As people became more educated and grew the economy, infrastructure was upgraded along the way. Pakistan needs to follow Iranian model.

Let me give you a practical example of what this difference actually means.

Iran invested big in education and manufacturing industrial economy. They became 10th largest producer of steel in the world ahead of countries like UK and France which allows their highly educated population to build and engineer a lot of heavy machinery and export it to other countries for a lot of money.

Pakistan has not invested in education and manufacturing industrial economy, result of that is firing all Pakistan Steel Mill employees, and a very limited export business.

 

[Village life]

Actually Pakistanies tried to be over smart they thought by bringing the assets of west in power they can lure west USA and China at same , the establishment was dumb enough to believe that this namoona will serve their cause but instead he is more loyal to the real masters , hence now they had to send a bajwa in pm house to please China and send positive signal to China, ditching China was a big blunder and reflection of how shallow puddle ideal our psyche and foreign policy is , we are slaves of slaves,

 

[Bilal.]

The persons post and political history.

You mean like Kaiser Bengali himself, i.e., agenda driven?