Many European countries want to join CPEC, says Ahsan Iqbal

The 6th Pak-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is meeting in Beijing today (Thursday).

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal is leading the Pakistan delegation, while the Chinese side will be headed by Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms.

During the meeting, both sides will assess progress on the ongoing infrastructure and energy projects being carried out under CPEC. The meeting will also focus on industrial investment, new transportation projects and the next phase of Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Ahsan Iqbal, talking exclusively to Geo News, said that many European countries have shown interest in joining CPEC.

The ongoing energy projects under CPEC will be completed by 2017-18, he added.

During the meeting three energy projects were approved, spokesman for Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said. They include a 330 MW project for Hub and a Thal-Nova project for 330 MW. Thermal power projects for 1320 MW are also included in the plan, the spokesman added.

A feasibility report over the projects will be submitted to the Sindh government in three months.