LAHORE: An agreement was signed between the Punjab government and China’s solar energy company AIKO to set up the first solar panels manufacturing plant in the province, says a handout.

According to the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a solar panels manufacturing and assembling plant in Punjab.

Punjab Minister of Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and President of South Pacific Region of Chinese Company Mr. Alex Hang signed the agreement in a ceremony held at a local hotel.

CEO Centurain Energy company Faisal Javed, officials of the Chinese company and investors participated.

Shafay Hussain said AIKO will manufacture solar panels and supply in the local market and export the same as well. He said India is also exporting solar panels worth a billion dollars every year.

The minister said the only solution to save industry and homes from expensive electricity is the promotion of solar energy. “In the last five months, I have met more than 21 foreign solar energy companies. Many companies have shown interest in investing in the solar energy sector in Punjab. The government will also collaborate with energy companies in the solar power sector.”

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said the Punjab government is planning to convert 7,000 tubewells on solar energy. The government will also provide solar panels free and in installments to low-income people.

He said a garment City is being built on an area of 650 acres in Quaid-i-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura and it will also be on solar energy.

The provincial minister announced that a solar panel testing lab would be set up in Punjab. The Chinese company officials and local investors also addressed the ceremony wherein three MoUs were signed.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024