07 January 2004	Wednesday	14 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Chinese experts are exploring the possibilities of changing the conventional brick-kiln to cleaner technology by introducing environmental-friendly pilot plants in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In this connection a five-member Chinese technical delegation, on the invitation of the ministry of environment is currently visiting Pakistan from January 3 to 8, a press release issued by the ministry here on Tuesday said.

The Chinese delegation, led by Ms Han Xiaoquan, head of North Centre for Environmental Sound Technology Transfer, China, also comprises brick-kiln technology experts to share the Chinese experience of changing the conventional brick kilns to cleaner technology.

The delegation, during their stay in Islamabad have held detailed meetings and discussions with the Chairman, Capital Development Authority; the Director General, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency; the Chairman, Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR); representatives of UNDP and president of brick kilns association.

Accompanied by officials of Ministry of Environment, the delegation has also visited different brick kilns around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It may be mentioned that the current system of brick kilns is also based on Chinese technology.

The purpose of the visit is to look into possibilities of establishing pilot plant with different environmental friendly technologies. They will also explore different avenues of cooperation between the governments of Pakistan and China for cleaner environment-friendly technologies.

The delegation is scheduled to meet the Minister of State for Environment, Maj Tahir Iqbal (retired) on January 7 and brief him on environmental issues.