Pakistan, China Likely To Discuss Extension Of CPEC To Afghanistan In JCC.

ISLAMABAD -- China and Pakistan are likely to discuss third-party participation and extension of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan in the 11th CPEC Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) which is expected to meet in August.

Pre Joint Coordination Committee meeting was held on Tuesday here with Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives in chair to review the progress made in preparation for the 11th JCC meeting expected to be convened next month.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood gave a detailed briefing on the 3rd International Cooperation and Coordination JWG meeting held virtually on 22nd July 2022. Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying that China appreciated Pakistan's efforts to provide a safe and smooth business environment and our leadership's commitment to building CPEC with 'Pakistan Speed'. Third-party participation and extension of CPEC to Afghanistan were also discussed. It was also pointed out that cooperation between thematic think tanks on both sides should be encouraged to further deepen the strategic economic cooperation under CPEC. The minister was also apprised of the activities that are planned to promote the CPEC narrative at the national and global levels.

Power Division highlighted the agenda for the forthcoming 9th JEWG meeting scheduled to be held in the 1st week of August. It was informed that 1124MW Kohala and 700.7MW Azad Pattan HPPs as well as 1320MW Thar Coal power plant project will be taken up with the Chinese side in the next scheduled JEWG meeting.

A joint study for the future development of Thar Coal has also been made part of the agenda. The minister underlined that measures have been taken to provide sufficient power for Gwadar city, and stressed the need for renewable energy projects for Gwadar city development in the future.

11th JCC meeting expected to be convened next month

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