His Excellency Dr. Marc Baréty, Ambassador of France to Pakistan called on Mr. Shamail Ahmad Khawaja, the Federal Secretary Ministry of Water Resources here today. Mr. Philippe Fouet Head of the Economic Department of the Embassy of France accompanied the French Ambassador. The Secretary Water Resources welcomed the French Ambassador and after changing pleasantries and giving a brief rundown of the overall water sector of Pakistan, the Secretary Water Resources thanked the Government of France for extending the financial assistance for development of Harpo hydropower project, refurbishment of powerhouse of Mangla Dam Project, rehabilitation of Hydropower Training Institute Mangla, second rehabilitation of Warsak Dam and detailed engineering design of Mohmand dam as well the upcoming assistance for rehabilitation of Chitral and Dargai hydropower projects. The Secretary also briefed about the achievement of the nascent ministry of having country’s first ever National Water Policy approved from the apex constitutional forum of Council of Common Interests which is headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and all the Chief Ministers of the federating units of the country represent their respective provinces. He also apprised about signing of the Pakistan Water Charter by the Prime Minister and all the four Chief Ministers as a pledge to continue the development of water sector regardless of any political party in the government. The French Ambassador shared the interest of his government particularly in the water and hydropower sector and mentioned about the assistance being extended by the French Govt for facilitating the development in Pakistan and shared that the current portfolio of financial assistance is of the order of € 800-900 million which becomes € 100-150 million per annum, which the French Govt is considering to increase to € 500 million per annum depending upon the requirements. He also apprised of various projects being executed in Faisalabad with the assistance of French treasury. While concluding the French Ambassador assured the French Govt gives importance to the development of Pakistan both in terms of providing funds as well as imparting trainings to build the capacity of Pakistani institutions. The Secretary Water Resources welcomed the gesture of goodwill and cooperation extended by the French Ambassador on behalf of his Govt. and expressed that the Govt. of Pakistan would be forthcoming in receiving assistance from the French Govt. to build the capacity of its institutions and human resource beside development of water resource and hydropower sector. *****
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