US investors invited to invest in energy sector, says Minister
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Khawaja Muhammad Asif has invited US investors to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector.
Talking to the US Ambassador Ms Anne W Patterson at his office here on Wednesday, the minister said that 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 highlighted that 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.
The minister also discussed matters pertaining to energy cooperation towards energy development between the two countries with the the US Ambassador.
The minister informed the envoy about the steps being taken by the government for the utilization of 185 billion tonnes coal deposits of the country and sought US cooperation and investment so that huge coal deposits could be utilized for power generation and gasification.
The minister said that once coal mining in Thar coal takes place, then projects like coal gasification and coal to liquid would also be started. Both countries enjoy very cordial and friendly relations, he added.
The minister said that the government has introduced a new petroleum policy that envisages an attractive package of incentives to the investors in the oil and gas exploration and production. He invited the US petroleum companies to take advantage of these investment potentials for the mutual benefit.
Anne W Patterson said that US is mindful of the energy requirements in Pakistan and her country is keen to assist in the development of its energy sector. She informed that US is reviving Energy dialogue and sought Pakistan participation in the dialogue.
The US Ambassador said the US wanted to build long-term and multi-faceted strong relations with Pakistan. She emphasized the need for expanded cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the economic sector.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Farrakh Qayum,, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Mr. Shaukat Hayat Durrani and , Deputy Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs US Embassy Mary Beth Goodman.