Islamabad: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker met on Wednesday to discuss avenues to strengthen the energy cooperation between the two countries, notably in the sectors of minerals, oil, and gas.
US is keen to expand the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Her Excellency Natalie A. Baker underscored the significance of bilateral energy cooperation. “There is a strong and growing interest from US companies in Pakistan’s Oil, Gas, and Minerals sector, in line with the vision of President Trump,” she stated. She assured that the United States was committed to working with Pakistan. She also indicated the willingness of the US Embassy to actively facilitate direct linkages between American companies and their Pakistani counterparts in the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector to unlock this potential.
Charge d’Affaires Baker underscored the significance of expanding the partnership between both countries from counter terrorism dialogues to include bilateral economic engagements.
Converting indigenous resources into tangible reserves is the target.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik welcomed the keen interest from US investors, stating that Pakistan possessed huge untapped potential shale oil & gas reserves. “Converting these indigenous resources into tangible reserves is a target of our government, and we are already engaged in a positive information exchange with US companies”, he added.
“The Government of Pakistan is undertaking a bidding round for both offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration blocks, which presents a tremendous opportunity for international partners,” the Minister informed.
Both dignitaries commended the recent successful “Direct Line” webinar, an initiative aimed at connecting US companies with opportunities in Pakistan’s minerals sector, highlighting that the same model was needed for future engagement in the Oil & Gas sector also.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the energy partnership, leveraging US technology and investment to support mutual economic and energy growth.
