ENI president discusses investment plans

Finance minister says Pakistan focused on growth, has potential.

ISLAMABAD: Lapo Pistelli, former Italian deputy foreign minister and president of ENI, an Italian multinational oil and gas firm, called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday to discuss matters pertaining to investment in Pakistan.

Dar, while giving a brief overview of the economy to the delegation, said Pakistan was now fully focused on the path of economic growth where investment had a major contribution to make.

He apprised the ENI head of the investment plan of Chinese, Saudi and Qatari companies and said the Italian investors were also welcome to explore and avail business opportunities in Pakistan in various sectors, including energy.

“The government offers a liberal investment regime and fully encourages foreign investors to invest in Pakistan,” said Dar.

Pistelli briefed Dar about the various projects the company that engages in oil and natural gas exploration, field development and production, supply, trading and shipping of natural gas, LNG, electricity, fuels and chemical products, had undertaken.

Water and power  

Pistelli, along with the Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo, called on Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Areas of mutual interest and cooperation in the field of energy sector and infrastructure development came under discussion during the meeting. “There is great potential in Pakistan in the field of energy, trade, scientific and technological development that needs to be explored,” said the minister on the occasion.

“Pakistan will learn from Italy’s experience in the field of energy sector development which would also strengthen bilateral relations, mutual trade and business and people-to-people contact between the two countries,” he added. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2016.

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