Defence Production Minister visits biggest shipyard in China

Pakistan has a thriving shipbuilding industry and it has proved its mark by building a frigate loaded with latest technology and great design, said President of the shipyard and Chairman of China shipbuilding and Trading Corporation, Mr Liu during a meeting with Federal Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain. Rana Tanvir, who is in China on an official visit, visited Dalian Shipyard where he was received by Mr Liu along with other officials of SASTIND and shipyard.

Liu gave a detailed briefing about capabilities and facilities and highlighted that it was the biggest shipyard in China. The shipyard is capable of constructing not only military ships but also has the expertise in various kinds of commercial ships.

Preceding the briefing, visit of the shipyard provided a good chance to witness different workshops and facilities available there.

According to a press release issued here by the Ministry of Defence Production, during the discussion various projects and opportunities became the focal point. He highlighted Pakistan's keenness in the project of shipyard. The Chinese side was also very keen, forthcoming and assured all kind of assistance. He highlighted that to further strengthen our friendship and strategic partnership, these kind of projects will have a great impact.

The Minister during his stay in China, met Chairman of China shipbuilding Trading Corporation, China shipbuilding Industry Corporation and China state shipbuilding corporation.

The Minister also added that "PNS ASLAT is an indigenously produced frigate but we thank our Chinese brothers to have extended technical expertise to Pakistan and Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works which has improved the skill and expertise level of our workers and technicians". Rana Tanvir is visiting China on the official invitation of Administrator of State Administration of Science Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND).

The Minister also visited Changxing Shipyard at Shanghai. The Vice President of the shipyard gave an in-depth briefing about the shipyard, highlighting its history and capabilities. After the briefing, the Minister had a round of the various facilities of the shipyard and witnessed steps involved in ship making, right from cutting of steel to final step of ship construction.