FPCCI praised Chinese decision to construct nuclear power stations

Islamabad: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Sunday lauded the decision of China to construct two nuclear power stations to meet Pakistan's energy needs.

FPCCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik, said that the loan facility of $ 6.5 billion by Pakistan's best friend for a single project would not only reduce the energy crisis but also bring the two countries closer.

He said the move would reduce load-shedding by 15 per cent, cut unemployment, and improves energy mix as well as rate of economic growth.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said Pakistan was not allowed to use civil nuclear technology while India and some other countries were allowed the same, which was discrimination.

The countries raising hue and cry over Islamabad-Beijing deal had ulterior motives as both countries had a right to sign such deals and Pakistan was not in a position to compromise its energy security, he added.

"Pakistan was left with no option but to broker deal with a true friend as the West wasn't ready to provide the much-needed technology to it," he said.

The FPCCI chief lauded the efforts of the government to tame the crisis and termed the deal to get $6.5 billion loan from China repayable in 20 years a great success of its economic managers.

Pakistan will become the first country to use Chinese civil nuclear technology, which will open massive business opportunities for the companies of friendly countries, he remarked.