Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday the new government would take concerted steps to develop Thar coal deposits for power generation to meet the challenges of soaring international oil prices and reduce $12 billion oil import bill. He expressed these views while talking to the US Ambassador Ms Anne W. Patterson, who called on him at his office here.
They discussed matters pertaining to energy co-operation towards energy development between the two countries. The minister informed the US envoy about the steps being taken by the government for the utilisation of 185 billion tonnes coal deposits of the country and sought US co-operation and investment so that huge coal deposits could be utilised for power generation.
"Once coal mining in Thar coal takes place, then projects like coal gasification and coal to liquid would also be started," he added. Asif said both countries enjoyed very cordial and friendly relations and invited US investors to invest in Pakistan''s energy sector.
He said the government was taking concrete steps to exploit the untapped Hydrocarbon resources in onshore and offshore areas to meet the growing energy needs of the country. The minister said that the government had introduced a new petroleum policy that envisaged an attractive package of incentives to the investors in the oil and gas exploration and production. He said the US petroleum companies should take advantage of these investment potentials for the mutual benefit.
Ms Anne W Patterson said that US was mindful of the energy requirements in Pakistan and her country was keen to assist in the development of its energy sector. She informed that US was reviving energy dialogue and sought Pakistan participation in the dialogue. She emphasised the need for expanded co-operation between the two countries, particularly in the economic sector.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Farrakh Qayum, Additional Secretary, Shaukat Hayat Durrani and Deputy Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs US Embassy, Mary Beth Goodman.
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