QUETTA: A Chinese delegation led by Ambassador Yao Jing called on Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday and discussed with him safety and security of foreign engineers and other officers working on the CPEC projects.

Several provincial ministers, chief secretary, the Chinese consul general based in Karachi and representatives of Chinese company working in Balochistan also attended the meeting.

Problems pertaining to a 300MW power plant in Gwadar, the Gwadar Free Zone, Gwadar East Bay Expressway and Duddar lead and zinc projects were discussed in considerable detail during the meeting.

The meeting resolved that decisions regarding CPEC projects and issues in Chinese assistance and investment would be made through mutual understating and in the best interest of Balochistan. Obstacles to implementing the projects would be removed and work on them would start at the earliest.

The 300MW power plant was termed vital for the province, particularly for Gwadar because it would meet the demand of industrial units there.

The chief minister said the provincial government wanted to create a conducive environment for the CPEC projects and that the province’s resources, particularly land, would be utilised for the purpose.

Balochistan was passing through a financial crunch, Mr Khan said. However, by properly using the resources and ensuring good governance “we would steer the province out of the current crisis”.

The Chinese ambassador said that Beijing would extend full support to the new government for developing the social sector of Balochistan. The Chinese investors were interested in launching joint ventures with local businesspersons.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2018