Russia will provide US $ 500 million for CASA-1000 project which would provide 1000 MW to Pakistan. The offer came at a CASA-100 meeting. A meeting of the Inter Governmental Council for CASA-1000 Project was held at Dubai on May 16-17 and attended by the Ministers of Energy of four member countries including Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan participated. The meeting was also attended by the representatives of World Bank, USAID, Islamic Development Bank, International Finance Corporation and other financial institutions. Very important decisions were made for moving this project ahead for implementation. These decisions were with respect to project structure, appointment of Executive Director for the Secretariat, roles& responsibilities of Country Working Groups to move the project ahead, various financing options for the project and all other important issues to speed up implementation of the project. All the member countries reiterated their full commitment to the project. World Bank, Islamic Development Bank also expressed their full commitment for financing of the project. A delegation from Russian Federation also made presentation, reiterating their desire to provide 500 million US Dollars for this project. At the end of meeting, protocol was signed by the Energy Ministers of the four countries. Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water and Power, government of Pakistan signed from Pakistan side. While addressing in the final session he said that CASA-1000 Project is very important for Pakistan as there is energy crises which has hit country’s economy and even the lives of com mon man.—Online