Empowering CPEC: Milestone COD of Thar Block-1 Project Celebrated

The Thar Block-1 Integrated Coal Mine Power Project, a pivotal energy endeavor under CPEC, has been developed, built, and is currently operated by Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources Company, and their parent company, Shanghai Electric Group. This project aced a rigorous 168-hour reliability operation test and officially commenced commercial operations on February 5 of this year.

Throughout its construction phase, the project created over 18,000 direct job opportunities for local residents, contributing a remarkable $120 million in cumulative tax payments and over $1.3 million in corporate social responsibility spending, as highlighted by Pang Chunxue. Post-COD, the project is set to provide electricity to approximately four million households, signifying substantial social and economic significance by reducing fuel imports, conserving foreign exchange reserves, optimizing the power supply structure, and bolstering energy security.

It's noteworthy that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC. This mutually beneficial collaboration has attracted a total of $25.4 billion in direct investment, generated $17.55 billion in revenue, contributed $2.12 billion in taxes, and collectively produced 192,000 local jobs. CPEC has significantly empowered Pakistan by adding 8,000 megawatts of electricity, constructing 510 kilometers of highway, and extending the national core transmission network by 886 kilometers.

Pang Chunxue concluded by underscoring CPEC's pivotal role in establishing a solid foundation for Pakistan's industrialization, modernization, and regional connectivity. The future of CPEC cooperation will place increased emphasis on industries, agriculture, science, technology, and boosting Pakistan's export capacity and competitive edge.