Pakistan, Qatar discuss ways to enhance energy cooperation

Qatari envoy says Doha considers Islamabad its main strategic partner in fields of energy, education among others

Web Desk

May 14, 2023

An Egyptian man looks at the Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier Duhail as its passes through the Suez Canal near the Egyptian port city of Ismailia on April 1, 2008. — AFP — An Egyptian man looks at the Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier "Duhail" as its passes through the Suez Canal near the Egyptian port city of Ismailia on April 1, 2008. — AFP

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Jawad Sohrab Malik underscored the vast investment potential of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, education, seaport fuel terminals, wind and hydro-power projects and airport infrastructure projects.

In a meeting with the Ambassador of Qatar, Sheikh Saoud Abdul Rahman Al-Thani in Islamabad on Saturday, the PM's aide urged for the conversion of the current bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Qatar into a mutually advantageous economic collaboration for the future, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.

Moreover, the SAPM also discussed mutual collaboration in exploring avenues of tourism, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), chemicals and exchange of technology hold mutually enriching opportunities with the envoy.

The Qatari diplomat showed keen interest in exploring new opportunities in SMEs, manpower export and new investment prospects in various sectors under Qatar’s national rejuvenation project, Vision 2030.

“Qatar is well aware of this and his country considers Pakistan as its main strategic partner in the fields of education through smart educational startups, food supply, setting up Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants and airports infrastructure,” he remarked.

Referring to the keen interest shown by Qatari leadership back in 2019, to invest in different areas of SMEs emerging out of Special Economic Zones in Gwadar under the mega CPEC Project, the SAPM especially underscored the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being an ideal apparatus for synergy in various cooperation realms with Qatar in future.

SPAM Malik added that Pakistan and Qatar have a common vision for the development and prosperity of the region.

He further added that both countries have had excellent cooperation in various fields including sectors like renewable energy, education, industrial and infrastructure development and hospitality besides striking another deal the for supply of LNG at affordable prices as Qatar has huge reserves of LNG.

Both sides reiterated their resolve for further enhancing cooperation in diverse fields.