PowerChina utilizes expertise in Pakistan to boost local economy

PowerChina Resources Ltd, or PCR, is a leading global infrastructure project builder and operator and has become a major force supporting Pakistan's economic, industrial and social development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The Port Qasim coal-fired power plant is a joint investment by PCR and investment company Al Mirqab Capital from Qatar. Operations began in April 2018.

The operating company, Port Qasim Electric Power Co or PQEPC, said the project is one of the largest investment projects by PowerChina in overseas markets and one of the first power plant projects put in use under the CPEC.

Total power generated by the plant hit a record 9 billion kilowatt-hours in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It has stabilized electricity supply and the country's economy while supporting the resumption of business during COVID-19, helping reduce electricity prices.

Total electricity generated by the Port Qasim power plant in the past three years has exceeded 30 billion kWh, accounting for some 8 percent of the total supply of Pakistan's national grid.

The power plant, with one of the largest production capacities and lowest electricity prices in the country, has become a benchmark project under the CPEC. It plays a crucial role in helping Pakistan overcome power shortages while optimizing the country's energy structure.

PQEPC also backs social responsibilities in supporting healthcare, education and employment while promoting cultural exchanges in Pakistan.

The power plant has been making efforts to become more localized in its employment practices. The plant, which provides more than 600 full-time jobs, gives priority to local people for employment. PQEPC offers internship programs to university students to boost their job-seeking skills. The power plant hosted a variety of online recruiting fairs in 2020 to provide backing for people in need.

Supporting local talent cultivation is another attempt by PowerChina to help Pakistan consolidate its industrial development foundation. The Port Qasim coal-fired power plant has a talent training program so staff can become familiar with their new roles. Of the 150 Pakistani university graduates who work at the power plant, 100 have received fully subsidized training in power plants within China. Some of the graduates have become leading professionals in the country's coal-fired power generation field and were assigned to key management positions.

PQEPC is working to lift people from poverty and contribute to an improvement in healthcare in Pakistan. The Port Qasim coal-fired plant donated medical supplies in the fight against COVID-19 and provided financial support to Pakistan's provincial and federal governments. It also arranged donations during the past few years to help residents against natural disasters such as floods.

PowerChina has created close partnerships with other companies and shared advanced engineering technologies and management experiences in Pakistan. It has also strongly supported the country's state grid construction by providing funds, equipment and technologies.

PowerChina is active on social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, to promote Chinese companies to the outside world. It released a report at Islamabad in November 2019 on the company's sustainable development in Pakistan, the first report of its kind released by a Chinese enterprise in Pakistan.

A forum attended by think tanks from China and Pakistan in 2019 attracted great attention from government officials, industry associations and the media. Looking ahead, PowerChina and PQEPC will continue to support the CPEC and contribute to the prosperity of Pakistan.