Energy trade: SAARC meeting held to sync regulations

Member countries are struggling with energy supply-demand gap.

ISLAMABAD: The Third Saarc Energy Regulator Meeting was held Wednesday to bring regulations, codes and standards regarding transmission and distribution of electricity into harmony and synchronise their regulatory frameworks to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

It was attended by all Saarc member countries.

The Secretary Cabinet in his inaugural speech said that Saarc member states are struggling with a massive gap in demand and supply. There was a need to address energy security from a regional perspective.

“To achieve regional cooperation, we have to take various factors into account including the high investment cost, private participation, environment, affordability and right of way,” he said adding that harmonious energy policies, enabling legal environment and regulatory framework are key tools for regional trade and investment.”

The secretary hoped that member states would take advantage of the momentum created by this meeting and contribute to overcome the issues of power sector in the region.

Tariq Saddozai, chairperson of the Saarc Energy Regulators Meeting, in his speech stressed on the need for cooperation for the development of efficient conventional and renewable energy resources, strengthening of related transmission systems and cross-border electricity trade for sustainable development of member states.

He said Pakistan was importing 100MW from Iran and the Casa project would enable Afghanistan and Pakistan to import 1,300MW electricity from Central Asian countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2016.

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