Pakistan: Multi-billion dollar project launched in Karachi under CPEC

Pakistan government has launched a multi-billion dollar project in the coastal city of Karachi under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ) was described as a game-changer for Pakistan. The direct Chinese investment is expected to be around US$3.5 billion. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Spread over 640 hectares or 1,581…

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Towards sixth review

According to media reports, the sixth review talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been scheduled for 4 October. If successful, subsequent to approval by the Fund’s Board, 750 million SDRs would be disbursed which are at present regarded as critical to generating the 14.7 billion dollar external funding required at considerably more favourable terms and conditions to meet…

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The “Most Important Question” on Earth: How Soon Will China Quit Coal?

The pledge by China’s president, Xi Jinping, on Tuesday to cease building new coal-fired power projects outside the country will be welcome news to environmentalists around the world. It came on the anniversary of Xi’s unilateral pledge for China to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Last year Xi also promised that Chinese emissions would peak by 2030. “China will step up support for…

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Renewable Energy Investments in Pakistan less than Successful: ADB

The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department (IED) has concluded that Investments in Renewable Energy Development Sector has remained less effective and less successful primarily because of design faults, and financial and operational issues of the overall power sector. IED of Asian Development Bank issued a Validation report where it was highlighted that Multiple facilities to the tune of…

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High-Level Dialogue on Energy 2021: Pakistan for ensuring equal access to affordable energy

Pakistan Friday called for boosting progress towards achievement of a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that calls for ensuring access to affordable energy worldwide. Speaking at a “High-Level Dialogue on Energy 2021”, convened by the UN Secretary-General to build a global roadmap towards the achievement of SDG No.7 by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050, Foreign Minister Shah…

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Sectoral policies: start with deregulation

The government is in the process of developing policies for selected sectors such as refineries and automobiles. Having well defined policies in any sector is the right approach to give right signal to investors, allowing government to seek investment in desired areas. However, policy formulation is becoming weak in Pakistan, as modus operandi is extremely ad-hoc. Discussions take place with…

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Govt Should Establish Shipping Rates Advisory Board

Karachi Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President FPCCI, has proposed to Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Customs to work together with Pakistan Shippers’ Council (PSC) of FPCCI to help protect the shippers and freight forwarders of the country from historically and unprecedentedly high shipping and freight charges; coupled with unavailability of shipping containers and container ships. He said…

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