KARACHI, Nov 23: The Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works would produce some parts of submarines and surface ships for the French Navy, besides fulfilling all requirements of the Pakistan Navy, including construction of frigates with Chinese and wind turbines with German collaboration.

This was stated by Vice-Admiral Iftekhar Ahmed, Managing Director the KSEW, in a news conference at the media centre of the ongoing Ideas-2006 defence exhibition on Thursday.

He said this had become possible following acquisition of expertise by the Pakistan Navy in the construction of Agosta 90-B submarine with French assistance. He said the two countries have identified the components and some finer details were being worked out to commence operation.

He said the proposition was also based on economic consideration, adding that the joint ventures with China and Germany would help the KSEW achieve financial self-reliance and meet the growing energy needs of the country.

He disclosed that KSEW was now a part of the Ministry for Defence Production and the Navy was against its privatisation.

In reply to a question, he said that Pakistan Navy was against privatisation of KSEW because it was not a viable option. He said that private sector was fully involved in the shipyard.

Vice-Admiral Iftekhar Ahmed maintained that the Shipyard workers union had been banned under a government decision. However, he promised, better environment and training would be provided to the employees.