BEIJING, Nov 1: China has agreed to extend financial and technical help to Pakistan for the second phase of the Chashma nuclear powerplant for building another 300-megawatt nuclear powerplant, officials here say.

The project, which is likely to be completed within the next six years, they said, would cost over $700 million, they added.

Sources expressed the hope that there would be “substantial progress regarding this important project during President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Beijing.”

Officials also indicated the possibility of signing of an agreement in this regard during the visit. They said President Musharraf’s talks with Chinese leaders would help finalize key aspects of the project.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and China have agreed to enter into an extradition treaty.

A formal agreement to this effect would be signed during the President’s visit. The proposed treaty would help the two countries to work in close cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration.

The two sides have complete understanding on the issue, sources said.

Under the proposed treaty, convicts would be entitled to complete the period of conviction in their own countries, besides helping solve various social problems, faced by visitors in certain cases, including over-stay and violation of immigration laws.

It would also facilitate convicts or under-custody people to establish contacts with members of their families.

BOAO CONFERENCE: The second annual Boao Forum for Asia Conference will open in Boao on Sunday with President Gen Pervez Musharraf delivering a keynote address at its first plenary session.