The implementation of WTO rules, Globalisation of economy and privatisation of resources and organisation are all gaining strength from competition and market based economy.
In this back drop sustainable competitive strength to successfully combat these challenges can only be ensured by making best use of available Human Resource, Natural Resources & Geographic position.
Most important for this economic sovereignty is the energy resources in the form of coal, natural gas & crude oil.
Pakistan utilises various resources for power generation but use of coal for this purpose is less than 1% of the total output. At this critical point, discovery of Thar Coal reserves is a major breakthrough.
Estimated deposits of 175 billion tonnes have given Pakistan seventh position in the list of twelve major coal producing countries.
Pakistan is now planning to produce 12000 mw by 2010 & 40000 mw by 2025; by coal fired power plants.
Objectives of this conference on Thar Coal reserves is to highlight the business and investment opportunities in this area. Major objectives are:
-- To deliberate on development & utilisation of Thar Coal.
-- To discuss use of coal as fuel in cement industry.
-- To discuss use of coal as fuel in other industries.
Conference aims to promote direct foreign investment by information dissemination and interaction of technocrats, policy makers and investors of local and international business circles.
A number of foreign delegates will be attending the conference besides leading industrialists and technocrats from Pakistan. These learned speakers will enlighten the audience with the importance of this discovery and possible business & investment opportunities.
Importance of indigenous fuel in achieving the objective of self-reliance, need no elucidation. Therefore Government of Sindh and Government of Pakistan are vigorously perusing the schemes related with infra-structure development in the area.
Importance of this project is further highlighted by the fact that this conference is being organised by the leading industrial group of Hong Kong. It clearly envisage the scope and chances of foreign direct investment in this project.
It goes without saying that this investment and thereafter availability of power at much economical rates will have profound impact on industrial, agricultural and social development of Sindh and Pakistan.
(The author is Event Co-ordinator)