ISLAMABAD: The Chinese government on Wednesday gifted 7,000 saplings of different species in support of Pakistan’s globally-acclaimed Ten Billion Tree Tsunami (TBTTP) Programme and the Clean Green Pakistan vision.

A ceremony was held at the Chinese embassy, which was attended by officials of the Chinese government, Ministry of Climate Change and National Highway Authority.

Speaking at the ceremony, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam appreciated China’s support to the flagship TBTTP programme and welcomed the gift of 7,000 saplings plantation to commemorate 70 years of friendly ties between the two countries.

The special assistant and Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong together planted a pine tree sapling at the Chinese embassy and exchanged views on the green vision of both sides aimed at sustainable growth and environmental conservation.

Mr Aslam thanked the Chinese envoy and said the COP26 was an interesting global moot on climate change that could not live up to all expectations.

He said the announcement of Chinese President Xi Jinping at COP26 was promising as China pledged not to invest in any coal power project abroad.

“China should have had an aggressive presence at the COP26 to project its inspiring story of transition from coal to renewable eco-friendly solutions. CPEC Green Corridor was also part of Pakistan’s vision along with China,” he underlined.

The special assistant highlighted that the US-China pledge on mitigating methane at the end of COP26 was also well received globally.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong congratulated the special assistant for his successful participation at COP26 and said China had positive intentions to enhance green partnership for ecological conservation.

He said the Chinese embassy formally joined Prime Minister Imran Khan’s flagship TBTTP on this occasion. “China also has nuclear, solar, hydro and wind power plants apart from coal power plants and can contribute to the renewable energy transition,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he said Beijing had diverted one third of its electricity to CPEC-related projects at cheaper rates.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2021