To eliminate the energy crisis, China is encompassing full support to Pakistan and power plants based on technology being used in Beijing have been installed here, said the Deputy Counsel General of China Peng Zhengwu. While addressing in a seminar organized by Punjab University Pakistan Study Centre, in the presence of Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Vice President, Sichuan University China Yan Shijing, Director Pakistan Study Centre, Sichuan University China Prof Dr. Song Zhihui, Director Pakistan Study Centre Fudan University China Prof Du Youkang, Director Centre for Public Policy and Governance FCCU Prof Dr. Saeed Shafqat, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr. Iqbal Chawla, Assistant Professor Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi, Chinese students and MPhil /Ph.D. scholars, Peng Zhengwu said that Sahiwal coal-fired power plant was clean and efficient energy project. The Free Trade Agreement would come into effect from Jan 01, 2020, which would reduce the tariff and Pakistan would have an opportunity to strengthen its economy. China has been the strategic partner of Pakistan and issues visas to around 150,000 Pakistanis every year. Another Confucius Institute will be opened in Sargodha as Sichuan University and Punjab University are making efforts to promote higher education. Pakistani students are studying in medical, economics, engineering, computer science and other academic disciplines offered at Sichuan University making it the second-largest university in China where around 20 books about Pakistan had been published. China Pakistan Economic Corridor would improve the quality of life of Pakistanis. Prof Dr. Saleem Mazhar praised the services of Pakistan Study Centre for connecting academic institutions and experts of both countries, as people to people contact would help to understand the culture and jointly organize seminars and conferences and joint research projects on various topics of mutual interest will help to grow augustly. Prof Dr. Iqbal Chawla mentioned that CPEC would contribute to the development of the region and our future is associated with this mega project. CPEC is a golden opportunity for Pakistan and we must prepare ourselves to cope with the challenges awaiting in the future. Before this, the Inauguration Ceremony of The Belt and Road Institute at Pakistan Study Centre was witnessed by participants. While Punjab University, Pakistan and Sichuan University, China signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a partnership on various domains. Both the universities agreed to exchange teachers and researchers in teaching and scientific research.
