MULTAN: Russian Ambassador Alexey Yurivich Dedov says his country is ready to provide assistance to Pakistan to overcome its energy crisis and upgrade steel mills.

Talking to members of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Wednesday, he said his government would not only provide experts for the up-gradation of steel mills and thermal power stations of Jamshoro and Muzaffargarh but would also transfer technology.

“Shifting of power stations from gas to coal and generating 6,000MW or more was not an easy task and you (Pakistan) have not even the logistic facility in this regard,” he said.

Take a look: Steel Mills at standstill

The Russian envoy said only coal power plants with the capacity of generating less megawatts were practically possible.

He said: “The relations between Pakistan and Russia are improving with the passage of time. Like Pakistan, terrorism is a problem for my country and Russia will extend its cooperation to eradicate the menace.”

He said there was a need to increase trade relations between both the countries. Investors and industrialists from both countries should come forward for joint ventures.

He said a branch of National Bank of Pakistan had started working in Moscow and his government would also allow other Pakistani banks to open their branches in Russia.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2015

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