Third Belt & Road Ministerial Conference: Pakistan seeks enhanced energy cooperation with China, Iran

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari is actively pursuing strengthened energy partnerships with major Chinese firms and Iran during discussions at the Third Belt & Road Ministerial Conference in Qingdao, China.

In separate meetings with Yao Huan, Vice-President of Power China, and Ni Zhen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Energy China, Leghari focused on initiatives to modernize Pakistan’s power dispatch and transmission systems. He emphasized the country’s commitment to reducing losses in electricity distribution. Recalling Premier Li Qiang’s historic visit to Pakistan, Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari expressed the country’s desire to modernize its power dispatch and transmission systems to reduce line losses and other inefficiencies. During the meeting with Vice President Yao of Power China, the two sides explored establishing a state-of-the-art research and development center in Pakistan. Leghari highlighted that this facility would integrate advanced technologies and best practices into Pakistan’s energy framework, ultimately enhancing operational performance and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Leghari and president Ni of Energy China discussed the future of energy cooperation under the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to diversify Pakistan’s energy mix and incorporate new technologies in power generation and dispatch systems. The minister extended an invitation for both leaders to visit Pakistan to further these discussions.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Ali Abadi at the sideline of the event, Leghari stressed the significance of cross-border energy projects in boosting regional connectivity and trade. The talks centered on developing electricity projects in Gwadar, Balochistan and highlighted the necessity for regular coordination in plant operations and maintenance to ensure sustained energy output. Both ministers acknowledged the growing energy demands in the region and underscored the need for effective plant management and continuous communication to enhance energy cooperation.