A high-level AFD delegation led by Director for Asia Mr. Cyrille Bellier visited NGC Headquarters at WAPDA House, Lahore to discuss ongoing and future power transmission projects.
The delegation included Regional Director Mr. Yazid Bensaid, Country Director Mr. Baptiste Deniau, Head of Energy Division Mr. Ouafae Sananes, and Mr. Nauman Bhutta, Team Lead Energy & Development. NGC General Manager (Design & Engineering) Engr. Taqi Ud Din, General Manager (Technical) Engr. Shahid Shafi Sial and concerned Chief Engineers also attended.
Chief Engineer PMU Engr. Muhammad Tahir presented the implementation status and financial performance of AFD-financed projects, demonstrating appreciable progress on current initiatives.
Discussions also covered NGC’s future projects in pipeline, with AFD showing particular interest in financing the Ludewala Upgradation Project.
The AFD mission commended NGC’s project execution and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s transmission infrastructure development, strengthening the strategic partnership between both organizations.
AFD:
It refers to the Agence Française de Développement, also called French Development Agency.
AFD Pakistan is France’s public development bank. It works in Pakistan to finance projects in green energy (hydropower).
The bank also works in water & sanitation and urban development in Lahore and Faisalabad. The AFD also works in cultural heritage projects of Lahore Fort.
NGC:
The government has restructured the former National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to National Grid Company (NGC) Pakistan. It is a major state-owned entity responsible for managing and developing the nation’s high-voltage electricity transmission network (500kV & 220kV). The government established the company to improve efficiency of transmission system and to grid modernization.
According to NTDC website, the company incorporated on 6th November, 1998 and it commenced commercial operation on 24th December, 1998. The government organized it to take over all the properties, rights and assets obligations and liabilities of 220 KV and 500KV Grid Stations and Transmission Lines/Network owned by Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
