Pakistan invites French investment in minerals

Envoy seeks to deepen ties, facilitate exchange of expertise

ISLAMABAD:

The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the embassy of France in Pakistan, hosted a webinar titled "Pakistan's Minerals Economy: Gateway to Growth" to highlight the country's vast mineral resources and promote investment opportunities for French companies and investors in the mineral and mining sector.

The event was co-chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey at the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) headquarters. Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Supplies of Strategic Minerals and Metals/ Adviser to French President on Mining, led the French side online. Several French companies and diplomats attended virtually, exploring areas of mutual interest and potential partnerships in Pakistan's mineral sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted Pakistan's immense potential in copper, gold and rare earth elements, which were essential for global transition to clean energy technologies and electric vehicles. He said the government was committed to developing a sustainable and transparent mineral sector that could support both national growth and global energy needs.

"The global shift towards green energy has made minerals such as copper, lithium and rare earth elements crucial to future technologies. Pakistan's mineral-rich regions, especially in Balochistan's Chaghi belt, offer immense opportunities for investment," the minister said.

French Ambassador Nicolas Galey expressed interest in exploring partnerships in the mining sector. He said French companies recognised Pakistan's resource potential and were keen to engage in sustainable mining ventures.

"France sees great potential in Pakistan's mineral sector. We look forward to deepening cooperation and facilitating the exchange of information and expertise," the envoy remarked.