Karachi, September 8, 2024, The Europe Today: According to the report of the News Hub Consultants, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong made history on Saturday by becoming the first Chinese ambassador to visit an operational nuclear power plant in Pakistan. His visit to the Karachi Nuclear Power Plants K-2 and K-3 reactors marks a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of nuclear energy.
Ambassador Jiang’s visit follows the groundbreaking ceremony for the Chinese-designed K-2 and K-3 reactors held in November 2013, which was presided over by then Ambassador Sun Weidong. The K-2 and K-3 reactors commenced electricity generation in May 2021 and April 2022, respectively, contributing a combined capacity of 2,200 megawatts of clean and cost-effective energy to Pakistan’s national grid.
During his visit, Ambassador Jiang commended the successful collaboration between the Chinese power company and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in completing the projects. He expressed his gratitude to the PAEC Chairman for ensuring the safety and security of the Chinese workforce, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jiang highlighted the importance of expanding strategic and bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China, emphasizing that this collaboration should extend beyond the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to include non-CPEC projects, particularly in the power sector. He advocated for a broader role for Chinese power companies in strengthening Pakistan’s economic infrastructure.
The ambassador also addressed the ongoing negotiations for the 1,200 megawatt Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) in Mianwali, expressing strong support for its development. He underscored that this project would further enhance Pakistan’s nuclear power capabilities.
In addition, Ambassador Jiang emphasized the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to benefit local communities surrounding the Karachi nuclear power plants. He assured continued Chinese support in this area and announced that a Chinese commercial counselor would soon visit the K-2 and K-3 sites to assess operations and coordinate CSR efforts.
Accompanied by key officials from the Chinese consulate and embassy in Karachi, Ambassador Jiang’s visit underscores China’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s clean energy goals. The visit precedes the anticipated visit of the Chinese Prime Minister to Pakistan in October, further solidifying the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
