AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: US Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, Mr. Carlos Pascual along with a delegation called on the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar here today and discussed various matters of cooperation in the energy sector.
Mr. Pascual while talking to the Minister said that US is taking various steps to enhance cooperation in the energy sector in Pakistan. He said that the two days Energy Dialogue being held on 14th and 15 September here at Islamabad is very important for collaboration in the energy sector for both the countries.
He said that all the ongoing and future projects will be reviewed there for individual and joint venture cooperation. US is keen to address the energy issues and to support the future water and power projects. Some programmes are already underway through USAID and more will be discussed for financial and technical cooperation in the Pak-US Energy Dialogue, he added.
Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar said that energy plays a vital role for economic development of a country. Pakistan is taking various short, medium and long term measures to get rid of the energy crises. He appreciated the US funding for capacity enhancement programme of public sector power plants and replacement of tube well turbines with new energy efficient turbines to save the electricity and training for Discos.
Mr. Qamar said that US support for water and power projects will definitely attract the investment and donors in this sector. He said that Pakistan is looking forward for future projects and the Energy Dialogue will help both the countries to enhance their cooperation keeping in view the future electricity requirements.
The Minister also briefed the delegation on the new initiatives taken by the government like O and M contract of Gencos to private sector, conversion of thermal plants to cheaper fuel and upfront tariff for alternative energy projects, change of energy mix and use of indigenous resources for cheaper power generation.
The Minister and Mr. Pascual both also discussed the agenda of the two days Energy Dialogue to be held on Wednesday (tomorrow).
2nd Meeting
AUSTRIAN ENVOY MEETS NAVEED QAMAR
Ambassador of Austria to Pakistan H.E Mr. Axel Wech called on the Federal Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar here today.
He remained some time with the Minister and discussed matters of mutual interest to enhance cooperation in various economic and power sectors projects.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com