Islamabad, September 21, 2024 – Pakistan’s leading oil and gas companies are actively participating in the 8th Silk Route Expo in Xian, China, exploring significant investment opportunities with Chinese firms. This participation highlights Pakistan’s intent to strengthen energy sector collaborations and finalize joint ventures with China in critical areas such as oil and gas exploration, refinery upgrades, and coal conversion technologies.
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, played a pivotal role at the Expo, conducting round table discussions at the Pakistan pavilion. He emphasized the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, outlining Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating partnerships between Chinese companies and Pakistan’s energy sector.
Among the prominent Pakistani companies participating in the Expo are the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC), and the Thar Coal Energy Board. These organizations are keen to engage Chinese corporations in strategic collaborations, specifically in areas like refinery upgrades, green and blue hydrogen production, ammonia production, and advanced coal utilization.
During the discussions, Dr. Musadik Malik reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to offer a conducive environment for these joint ventures. “We have one of the largest reserves of coal, and we are committed to generating value from these resources while ensuring environmental sustainability,” he said. Malik also highlighted that Pakistan is exploring partnerships in green technologies, including the production of fertilizer from coal and the conversion of coal to cleaner energy.
Key Chinese companies, including Shaanxi Energy Bureau, Yanchang Petroleum Group, Shaanxi Gas Group, Hua Lu Engineering and Technology Group, Shanghai Electric, and Hangzhou Maibao Import and Export Co. Ltd, participated in the discussions. These companies engaged in business-to-business meetings with their Pakistani counterparts, exchanging ideas and identifying potential collaborative ventures.
Dr. Malik expressed optimism about these engagements, remarking, “We aim to become technology partners and joint venture partners, building a stronger energy sector together with China.”
The Expo marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its energy capabilities while expanding its collaboration with China, particularly in the fields of oil, gas, and clean energy technologies. The discussions and partnerships fostered at the Silk Route Expo are expected to bring long-term economic and technological benefits to both nations.
