ISLAMABAD, May 13: The Three Gorges First Wind Farm Project Company, a Pakistan-based subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation, signed here on Friday a contract with two Chinese companies to supply turbines for the first 49.5MW wind farm at Jhampir in Thatta.

The China Huashui Development Corporation (CHDC) and China International Water and Electric Corporation will supply and install wind turbines manufactured by Gold-wind Company.

Yan Xinde and Wang Jianfeng signed the contract on behalf of their respective companies.

Riaz Ahmad, Special Secretary of Ministry of Water and Power, and Arif Alauddin, Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), witnessed the signing ceremony in the presence of a number of representatives of various Chinese financial institutions and companies.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Alauddin praised the Chinese company for speedy development and implementation of its first wind farm project in Pakistan, and applauded the Three Gorges First Wind Farm Project Company for its venture in Pakistan, terming it a great support from the Chinese friends to people of Pakistan.

He said the company had opened bright avenues for manufacturing Gold-wind turbines in Pakistan, leading to swift transfer of technology for manufacturing wind turbine components in Pakistan.

Wang Shenhang of the Three Gorges First Wind Farm Project Company said that China stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in overcoming its energy shortfall.

He praised the Pakistan government, especially the AEDB, for their support in developing and implementing their first wind farm on a fast-track basis. This project would open doors for more Chinese investment in the sector, he announced. He termed the project the best example of cooperation between investors of the two countries, adding that it would also open doors for development in the project area, providing employment opportunities to local people, especially the youth.