Islamabad, September 16, 2024 – Gunvor Group Chairman Torbjorn Tornqvist and Vice President of Oceania & Southeast Asia for Total Energies, Mehmet Celepoglu, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to explore potential investment opportunities in Pakistan’s growing energy sector.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan’s economy, after achieving stability, is now on a trajectory of growth and development. He underscored the government’s commitment to rapid reforms aimed at enhancing investment and business activities in the country. The prime minister emphasized that the government’s economic policies are yielding positive results, helping to create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.
Sharif assured that his administration is actively removing all barriers to foreign investment, making Pakistan an attractive destination for global businesses. The energy sector, in particular, has emerged as a key area for investment, with significant opportunities available for international companies looking to expand their footprint in the region.
Chairman Torbjorn Tornqvist expressed the Gunvor Group’s strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s petroleum industry. He informed the prime minister that Gunvor has already taken a major step by signing an agreement to acquire 50% shares of Total Parco, a move that signals their long-term commitment to Pakistan’s energy sector.
Tornqvist commended the efforts taken by the government under Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership to promote investment, stating that these initiatives have played a significant role in boosting investor confidence. He emphasized Gunvor’s readiness to contribute to the development of Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary facilities and support are provided to Gunvor Group to facilitate their investment efforts. The prime minister expressed his optimism that such investments would further strengthen Pakistan’s energy capacity and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The meeting was also attended by key government officials, including Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Dr. Musadik Malik, and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi. These officials reiterated the government’s full support in facilitating foreign investors in Pakistan’s energy sector.
This high-profile meeting marks another significant step towards attracting global energy players to Pakistan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment.