The Punjab government has signed an agreement with Chinese solar company AIKO to set up a solar panel manufacturing and assembly plant in the province. The agreement, facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), was signed by Punjab's Provincial Minister for Industry and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, and AIKO's South Pacific Region President, Alex Heng.
Minister Hussain stated that this would be the first solar panel manufacturing factory in Punjab, producing for both the local market and export. He emphasized that solar energy is the only solution to save industries and households from expensive electricity.
The minister revealed that over the past five months, he has met with representatives from 21 foreign companies to promote solar energy. Several companies have shown interest in investing in this sector in Punjab, with the government assuring full cooperation.
Hussain also announced plans to operate 7,000 tube wells on solar power and provide solar panels to low-income individuals for free or on easy installments. Additionally, the government plans to establish a solar panel testing lab in Punjab and solarize the Garments City in Sheikhupura.
The minister highlighted that overcoming the energy crisis through such initiatives, supported by SIFC, is crucial for building a secure and strong Pakistan.
