QUETTA: The governments of Canada and Balochistan have signed an agreement to set up solar plants of 1,000MW in different parts of the province.

Using its constitutional powers devolved to it under the 18th Amendment, the provincial government held direct talks with the Canadian government for investment in the energy sector.

According to official sources, Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah signed the agreement with the Canadian officials a few days back in Islamabad.

Under the agreement, a Canadian firm would establish 50MW plant each in different areas of the province to meet the electricity requirement.

“Twenty locations would be chosen for setting up the plants,” official sources said.

The locations would be selected after consultation with parliamentary parties having representation in the Balochistan Assembly.

Sources said that soon a team of Canadian experts would visit Quetta to finalise the plan for setting up the plants.

Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri, while directing the authorities concerned for proper planning, had also asked the Balochistan Investment Board to play its due role for bringing in more investment to the province.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2016