Pakistan, China ink 19 agreements on energy, basic infrastructure
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BEIJING: Pakistan and China on Saturday signed 19 agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to further boost the bilateral ties between the two countries in various fields, including energy and basic infrastructure sectors.
A meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang was held in Beijing. Both the leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ahsan Iqbal, and Special Assistant to the PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi were also present on the occasion.
The Chinese premier was assisted by Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission and other officials.
The agreements signed between the two countries include solar power production at Quaid-e Azam Solar Park, easy loan for laying optic fibre between the two countries, mining of 65,00,000 metric tons of coal in Thar Block-2, 870 MW Sukhi Kinari hydropower project, 1320 MW Sahiwal power project and MoU for 100 MW Jhimpir wind power project.
An agreement was also signed to establish an Industrial Park in Faisalabad.
The two countries also inked an agreement for economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking to media representatives after the meeting, PM Nawaz Sharif expressed the confidence that his visit to China will help resolve energy crisis in the country, adding that his government is committed to addressing the energy shortage permanently.
He said that a solution to the energy problem will bring progress and prosperity to the country. Nawaz Sharif said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor Project will prove a game changer in the region and expressed the hope that the projects will infuse a spirit in the slow pace of development projects, caused by the sit-ins.
Also read: FTAs hurting Pakistan’s trade balance
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Comments (92) Closed
Nov 08, 2014 11:34am
WOW great news.
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Nov 08, 2014 11:38am
Where are those 35 billion $ worth of agreements you were dreaming about? Lol.....do u even know how many zeroes are there in 35 billion $
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Nov 08, 2014 11:41am
Well done we need to continue to beg to China for aid and we need to keep focused on kashmir only
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Nov 08, 2014 11:45am
The most important person in the team is Shahbaz Sharif without him Nawaz Sharif would have been unable to finish his sentences in english. Then again, there is always room for faux pas in other areas!
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Nov 08, 2014 11:49am
Why can't Pakistan sign Transfer of Technology agreements with China in solar energy/telecom infrastructure ? Pakistan imports major equipment worth billions from China including solar panels and mobile phones.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:08pm
@Adam Bezar You answered your own question...imports!! Why would Chinese transfer the technology so that Pakistan can manufacture these things at home costing Chinese people jobs?
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Nov 08, 2014 12:08pm
At the time of inauguration of Islamabad-Lahore Motorway, PM Nawaz Sharif had termed it a game-changer in terms of industrial development around the Motorway. Where is this industrial development?
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Nov 08, 2014 12:11pm
we are confident that only present government can do good for our country by resolving energy crises, building motorways, especially the trade corridor can most surely be a game changer. Conspirators understand very well that if government is able to complete these projects within the stipulated time then there is no future for them in the country. Previous government's performance has been nightmare for the country. It was the performance of the previous government that fueld the Sit Ins phenomena in the country. we the serious people are standing with the government and understand the importance of these projects for the country which most surely will bring economic development in the country.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:11pm
Good news. Congratulations to all Pakistanis. Long live Pakistan-China friendship.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:15pm
Nothing under hydel... As setting up companies by Chinese will get easy kickbacks rather than obtaining soft loans and producing cheap electricity...
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Nov 08, 2014 12:16pm
@vagrant In Pakistan these projects of 2000 MW would cost USD 35 Billion. You know how many politicians are there in each project
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Nov 08, 2014 12:16pm
Following agreement s will bring no change in common pakistani's life:
solar power production at Quaid-e Azam Solar Park,
easy loan for laying optic fibre between the two countries,
mining of 65,00,000 metric tons of coal in Thar Block-2
where are 35-46 billion dollars projects????
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Nov 08, 2014 12:17pm
The PM is in China to sign agreements to purchase and build 16 power generating units in Pakistan at a cost estimate of 33 billion dollars reported in some papers. It is to be seen if agreement is between two sovereign states or private firms known for corrupt practice with China underwriting cost otherwise Nawaz may well be advised to put it to tendering. China is an economic power aware of Pakistani politicians humming to China and of malpractice by Chinese firms in paying huge commissions to politicians albeit through offshore companies be stopped. In fact China has taken steps to punish corrupt officials accepting kick backs but state or semi state companies be asked to be transparent dealing with third world countries. In any agreement that will follow between China and Nawaz, details of such agreements be posted on Chinese Government website with full disclosure of all commissions paid to intermediaries. Both China and Nawaz are on notice, any illegality coming into public knowledge at a later date may void the transactions
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Nov 08, 2014 12:21pm
If NZ was only half of IK s temper, the state of Pakistan would be in double trouble. thanks for his patience
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Nov 08, 2014 12:21pm
What about Basha Dam?
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Nov 08, 2014 12:22pm
Why can't pakistanis take a positive news, positively?
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Nov 08, 2014 12:23pm
Unless and until state shows zero tolerance for terrorism ... this country will never achieve success ... this projects not even worth 3 billion USD . Fooling people that's it ... soon terrorists will strike these power plants also , as it is terrorists breeding ground
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Nov 08, 2014 12:25pm
These projects are $ 4 billion worth projects did PMLN steal another 31 billion.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:34pm
Get ready Mr Imran Khan for next dharan for sabotaging the economy as this is your sole aim.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:38pm
Where is 35-45 billion dollars? ? Only easy loan facility or investment also?
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Nov 08, 2014 12:47pm
hmmm. so where is 35 billion $
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Nov 08, 2014 12:47pm
I think pakistan need these agreements to improve their energy issues and would be self reliant in energy in few years.Also these investment are good for economy too.We need make masses understand the importance of economy so that entire mind set can be changed.People should talk about development rather then mullahs fanatic talks.Developed pakistan is best for india
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Nov 08, 2014 12:50pm
@A shah It Is Hilarious Reading Comments of Closeted Indian Trolls (Like You) and The Open Ones Expressing Your Frustrations.India Expected $100 Billion From China But Only Got $20 Billion
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Nov 08, 2014 12:51pm
dear , china ll sell you only there worthless low quality product. and u people hav to buy it . because u dont hav any choice ,and china know it ,china is not dumb country.
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Nov 08, 2014 12:59pm
These are just some examples of 19 accords signed. The total worth of projects is $35 billion. Many projects are not listed like the industrial park in faisalabad with integrated coal power plant.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:03pm
Pakistan would again be the central place of cold war between US and China..
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Nov 08, 2014 01:05pm
Its funny to read comments from ill advised keyboard activists. These projects are in addition to the ones already underway. These are worth $35 Billion Dollars. These will create employment, stimulate growth, and help investor confidence. Investment in just Faisalabad Industrial Park would be worth $15 billion dollars. Good work.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:07pm
@vagrant PTI stole them!!!
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Nov 08, 2014 01:10pm
All projects in funjab !!
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Nov 08, 2014 01:10pm
now what will Imran say.For me, any development news is good news.At least Nawaz is not begging for arms.Electricity is a force multiplier, for growth.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:12pm
Thanks PTI for destroying a potential $50 billion deal. Yes, $50 billion. I know PMLN insiders who told me they were trying their best to make it $50 billion. No coal plants Gadani!! YAAYY!! Dharna has achieved its goal!!
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Nov 08, 2014 01:15pm
Where is smart city development? Where is new companies? Where is railway improvement projects? What about pakistan airports, aircrafts, defence deal, buses? Only loan loan loan NO Investment NO Transfer of technology
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Nov 08, 2014 01:15pm
My fellow Pakistanis most commenters here making fun of the deal and casting doubts on it are our "friendly" eastern neighbours.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:19pm
Indians and Pakistanis are great at inflating the figures. They are also very good at counting chickens before they are hatched.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:19pm
@Shajee : do you know multiplication table ? It is 20billion x 5 years !
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Nov 08, 2014 01:19pm
It will frustrate IK and he will become more anxious...As he is unable to attract investment in KPK and also unable to deliver anything to KPK...IK says Foreign Direct Investment is loan...Mr. IK telenor, MOL, Mobilink also gave loans to Pakistan?..Please stop fooling yourself...after 5 years people will judge performance and will give votes....By the way I am happy that IK has developed new definition that "FDI is loan and should be discouraged"...Oh now I see why no Foreign Investment in KPK because IK discourages ut as it is loan....Nawaz u beauty..!!!
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Nov 08, 2014 01:21pm
Look at Nawaz how much he is caring for Pakistan..Jobs will be created...Investors will ahve confidence and economy will prosper...On the opposit Mr. IK's is focused over Dharna...I am from KPK and I know there is no industry in KPK...People ahve to travel to settle in Punjab in search of jobs...IK is lossing big time...
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Nov 08, 2014 01:24pm
@Adam Bezar . you don't sign agreement with china to transfer their technology. you should steal it from them. that is what they have done. have you heard of the company huewie technology? this company used to hire engineers from other telecom companies in Bangalore and used to encourage them to bring in stolen code base from their former employers.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:25pm
Good , Power generation multiplies the development . Good Job done.
Development needs good Law and order situation along with infrastructure. Hope Nawaz takes care of the security of Masses,very soon, else all these projects wont bring the result desired.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:25pm
is it same million march deja vu? I wonder.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:26pm
Khan sb. please stop and do something to attract investment in KPK...Create jobs for people, build industry and Infrastructure...Do something in Bannu, D.I Khan, Kohat, Charsadda, Jahangira, Mardan etc etc..People in KPK are frustrated from your actions...We thought that we would get jobs near our home...But we have to travel to Punjab to get jobs...Again Nawaz has taken lead and now more and more people are beleing that Nawaz was the correct choice for Pakistan...Please do something in KPK as well atleast attrcat some investment...and quick otherwise KPK people will note vote you next time as they did in 2013 elections to otehr parties in KPK...please don't forget KPK...Peshawar rocked when you won and now you are completely ignoring KPK....
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Nov 08, 2014 01:41pm
Great job, Congratulations
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Nov 08, 2014 01:46pm
Muslim world is facing trouble due to USA strategy to ensure the protection of Israel with its ambitious plan to expand and control Arabs world with oil resources. Pakistan may try to unite Muslim world as Mr. Bhutto did in the past. Unfortunately, Muslim lost him and similarly, Shah Faisal of Saudi Arabia was great leader who wanted unity and strength but he too was murdered by CIA. Biggest problem is to ensure sovereignty, security,respect and stability with joint defense. USA alone can defeat anyone but they act jointly with majority Christian countries and bullying Muslim world to use gun on their shoulders. There is need to address all issues with serious dialogue with people fighting against states in all countries. If we can not do this all progress will die its own death like prosperous Iraq destroyed. Let make defense and unity as our main strength as one slogan all around Muslim states.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:46pm
Good news for Sharif and Co empire. I wonder what is their share this time! "Now let us make some decisions for Pakistan and Pakistanis also!"
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Nov 08, 2014 01:47pm
@A shah
Lol it is not aid dear but investment. These hydropower projects will cover invested cost within 3-4 years. China will earn immense profit from these investments.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:50pm
@vagrant
I think they have not yet finalized 4500MW basha dam, which in my opinion will be covered from American investors. Also 7500MW Bunji dam in which three gorges dam was interested.
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Nov 08, 2014 01:55pm
Going great!!
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Nov 08, 2014 01:59pm
@Zahid unfortunately it is not a positive news. Show me one in country in the world succeeded because of Chinese investments. Pak will become like North Koria poor and hungry nation with nuclear weapons.
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Nov 08, 2014 02:05pm
@Shajee
Do a Google search on the value of the deals Modi signed with China, Japan and the US separately....and then decide whether it was wise to snigger at the Indians or not
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Nov 08, 2014 02:13pm
Thar Block 2 : 65 00 000 MT coal production.Well it is total produce from mine or per year & if per year than how many years the deposits will last.News confuses and is incomplete. @ minimum if only 5000 mt/ day is the production then annual production will be around 1.5 million mt only .Not a huge project.Mine will be over in 4/ 5 years taking into account the development periods and repair maintenance local problems etc.
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Nov 08, 2014 02:20pm
Good news for Pak-IK would say its because of him...haha this man need a thorough examination
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Nov 08, 2014 02:37pm
@Adam Bezar not only solar panels and mobile phones but china also constructing gwadar port and highways in pakistan - so its Trillions and not Billions
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Nov 08, 2014 02:38pm
@Baba De Kamaqlano congratulations to become chinese pakistan instead of american pakistan till 6th nov. 2014
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Nov 08, 2014 02:40pm
China will create a dependency on them and drag Pakistan to the bottom. in 5 years down the line Pak will become like north koria poor hungry nuclear nation.
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Nov 08, 2014 02:41pm
@Calcutta Man of course india's amount would be much bigger. Same reason why india's economy is bigger than Pakistan's. Because india's population is 6-9 times bigger than that of Pakistan's. Another fact: there are much more indians than white people on this planet. Yet the accomplishments of the indian people are nowhere near that of the west or Europe, or China for that matter (who's population is similar in number to that of india's.)
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Nov 08, 2014 02:50pm
People don't even buy a Chinese car to drive and these corrupt are buying Chinese power plants! !
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Nov 08, 2014 02:53pm
More loans and more circular debt for Pakistan.
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Nov 08, 2014 02:54pm
President Zardari signed more MOUs during his tenure.
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Nov 08, 2014 03:06pm
It is all about China selling it's sub-standard equipment's to Pakistan as it did in Sri Lanka in the name of developing ports,which were not feasible & have not yet been able to give the required returns and that too at higher interest rates.
And how much this deal is feasible for Pakistan.God Knows ?
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Nov 08, 2014 03:09pm
@AJamal good point ....... and then nothing happened and now nothing will happen.
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Nov 08, 2014 03:12pm
"Go ahead Sharif" otherwise "Go Nawaz Go".
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Nov 08, 2014 03:18pm
The 35 billion is to be "invested" in the "Swiss numbered accounts" this has "nothing to do with the 19 Mou's"
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Nov 08, 2014 03:23pm
Chinese President's trip was cancelled due to political chaos caused by Imran Khan &s brother Tahir ul Qadri.
Both had ego's bigger than the size of this nation. IK should prove himself in KPK....criticizing others is just not enough.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:02pm
I think this is a very positive step. Pakistan can actually become a hub fir Chinese manufacturing.....the ones that can target middle east. The ports can be used for export to the African countries. I would advise Nawaz Sharif to negotiate hard....as Pakistan has worked for china against India.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:39pm
China support and helping a sister neighboring country greatly appreciated. Country needed good news, we are sick and tired of hearing awful stories of our motherland. The most powerful tool nation needed to seek help from China, US, Germany and Turkey, in technical education. Allow our students to receive higher education in their institutions. These are the countries we should build a trust. I also advise the PM, you always take your brother with you, I am not against it, how you are fair to other provinces. You should be instrumental to remove an ill thoughts about center to pick and choose ideology. India, is our not only sister neighboring country, we have a very long and rich history. I believe it is not a time of hostilities, lets forge peace and we also look a partnership with you on mutual trust and respect. Pakistan must work to eliminate militancy so talent will come back to help the nation.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:41pm
@M. Saeed Awan , awan sahib, this is not a fair statement.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:44pm
If this does not prevent the economic ship form sinking then where else should our economic compass point to? We have run out of options after China.
Clearly this government is incapable of mobilising the huge human resources potentials of the country. It does not either have the will or the vision to take on this challenge and therefore it does not have a programme.
Making Pakistan dependent on any country to such a huge extent is repeating the mistakes of the past. This means we will remain in our present condition for a long time. Instead of mega-projects (also read mega commission) we should have opted to create micro-projects of regeneration of the economy through individuals and families. Let individuals and families stand on their own feet first by using our strength in agriculture and other indigenous areas and resources
But is is pointless to talk to a twice-failed government trying to complete a hat-trick.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:45pm
@Shahzad , too emotional and too little and too late. For any technological development you needed scientist, engineers and dedicated leaders. We given power to those who needed to equip themselves with latest mind and heart.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:45pm
@Adam Bezar not going o happen
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Nov 08, 2014 04:46pm
@Patriot agree, this poor PM was to given time to develop.
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Nov 08, 2014 04:47pm
@salman , all these project will be given to ML-N and they will support next election ML-N to win
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Nov 08, 2014 05:25pm
@Amarnath - Sir. Stealing is an art.It requires courage, planning etc. Only a few can do that. If you can not enter through the front door well use the back door.
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Nov 08, 2014 05:34pm
I read somewhere that Chinese are doing some construction work in Delhi and In Hydrabad ,India they are using Chinese Locomotives. The Chinese have constructed a highway from Nairobi to Thika - good one too. The Chinese will be soon in India to undertake construction works.
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Nov 08, 2014 05:35pm
Guys there was mistake in quoting the 35 Billion $ projects. Infact it should have been 35 Million $ or 350 M$.
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Nov 08, 2014 05:50pm
Old begging bowl now diverted from US to China...
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Nov 08, 2014 05:50pm
@Umar Aftab "These projects are $ 4 billion worth projects did PMLN steal another 31 billion."
The Chinrse would sign the remaining $31 billion projects under Sheikh Rashid / Imran Khan.
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Nov 08, 2014 05:54pm
China and Pakistan only two nations, have only two friends and both are arrogant....
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Nov 08, 2014 06:20pm
@Zahid
I commend you for articulating a point of view with an excellent comment. Most of the comments here are opposition in the name of opposition.
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Nov 08, 2014 06:34pm
If reported correctly this is certainly good news!!! let's hope these projects kick start in-time. Good to see interest in energy sector using hydal, wind and solar power. We can easily build more hydro power generation units though. Cross border optic fiber link is a another major milestone.
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Nov 08, 2014 06:50pm
Chinas only friend is pakistan and pakistans only friend is china..... Can any of the politicians having guts to say "hand over chinese occupied kashmir to pakistan"
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Nov 08, 2014 07:37pm
It is really great news for Pakistan! and Keep it up Pakistan.
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Nov 08, 2014 08:47pm
@jitendra look at your own practices first sir, do not preach the others you are not clean either
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Nov 08, 2014 08:49pm
@Dr Carla I do not think so, period
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Nov 08, 2014 08:51pm
@Muslim bravo , you know the facts
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Nov 08, 2014 10:59pm
We as nation need to come together. Rich have tto pay there part. Pakistan have potential if rich bring money back to pakistan and do project work for minimum profit stop cheating, pay fill Tax, pay full electric and gas bill. We will be great nation if we look around how nation. Have become nation only way is be honest and work hard
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Nov 08, 2014 11:38pm
Look at srilanka, Chinese built power plant cannot be started.
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Nov 09, 2014 02:04am
@vikas 160000 mw . But who is counting lol
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Nov 09, 2014 02:09am
@Vipsy no loans my friend thes would be private investments by Chinese companies
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Nov 09, 2014 02:11am
@Jahangir Khan to they have found oil in kpk and fata
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Nov 09, 2014 05:35am
Let the answer to following questions come to light:-
1.Who will pay for imports of coal? Pak Govt. or Chinese Companies? Pak's foregn exchange Reserves cannot afford coal imports.
2. How Chines Companies will repatriate their income from Investment back to China. Does Pakistan have so much Foreign Exchange Reserves to allow this repatriation.
3.What About environment degradation due to thermal plants?
4. What about cost of Plants? Any esclation clause?At what rate land and other facilities will be given? What about cost of Electricity produced?
I have personal gut feeling that IK's and Qadri's march were orchestrated so as to make Pak Civilian Govt. desperate and hungry to do something good. Now, one sided agreements have been got signed by china. These agreements will be devastating for Pak's Economy as they will make Pakistan Bankrupt particularly the clause of Sovereign Guarantees by Pak. Govt. in favour of Chines Companies and Banks.
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Nov 09, 2014 07:46am
Unbelievable! Is there any catch in this that I am missing.
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Nov 09, 2014 03:10pm
@LondonPAK There are 127,000,000 Japanese but I think the population figures of Pakistan is more than that?
When are we going to see Pakistani- Muslims produce companies like Mitsubishi or Nissan or Toshiba or Hitachi or Toyota or National Panasonic?
By your reasoning Pakistan's economy should fare better than Japan's right?
So,double up,and get to work,will you?:):)
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