ISLAMABAD: Belarus has expressed its interest to provide electric buses to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and offered to set up charging points in the capital.

Belarusian Deputy Minister for Industries Aleksei Kushnarenko along with a Belarusian diplomat based in Islamabad visited the CDA on Wednesday to hold meeting with the civic agency’s officers. An officer of the Economic Affairs Division was also present in the meeting.

CDA’s acting chairman and member administration Talat Mehmood Gondal and deputy director general Islamabad Public Transport Wing held talks with the visiting delegation.

The meeting focused on fostering mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus, particularly in areas of transport system in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the CDA after the meeting, the Belarusian deputy minister for industries offered to provide full support on electric buses, marking a step towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transport.

The statement said the member administration also expressed his keen interest in cooperating with Belarus on public transport system.

He told the delegation that the CDA had already launched electric buses in the city covering different areas of the federal capital.

“The introduction of electric buses has not only reduced the country’s carbon footprint but also modernised Islamabad’s transport infrastructure,” he said, adding that the CDA was encouraging electric buses.

Mr Gondal requested the delegation to help the CDA in converting a fleet of 50 diesel buses to electric buses as the civic agency was very satisfied with the performance of its fleet.

He also informed the delegation that the civic body required new charging station facility for electric buses as, besides the public sector, private sector was also moving towards electric buses.

Therefore, he said maximum numbers of charging facilities would be required in the coming years.

Sources said the visiting delegation offered to facilitate the CDA in procuring electric buses from Belarus either through deferred payment or soft loan.

Besides, both sides explored the possibility of transferring advanced technology related to electric buses and charging stations in Pakistan.

The press release said a way forward was also discussed to establish Belarusian electric vehicles manufacturing plants in Pakistan, as well as creating joint ventures between high-tech Belarusian automobile companies and the CDA.

Sources said the CDA officials also stated that the civic agency had plots in Kahuta Triangle Industrial Area scheme and an industrial plot in this scheme could be used for bus production or at least to manufacture charging stations.

The focal point was nominated from the CDA for future cooperation which would consider opportunities for cooperation with the Minsk Automobile Plant, Belarus and explored Pakistan’s automobile sector highlighting the potential for joint ventures and technological exchange.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening ties and cooperation between CDA and Belarus, aiming for cooperation in the sustainable and eco-friendly public transport.

“This growing partnership is expected to boost both close cooperation while supporting sustainable development goals in Pakistan,” the statement added. Both sides decided to hold another meeting (online) soon to move forward.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2024