They were speaking at the 9TH Pakistan Energy Forum 2016 which concluded in Islamabad today. Organized by SHAMROCK Conferences International (www.shamrockconferences.net) the annual conclave was addressed by representatives of government, regulatory bodies, the Asian Development Bank, the US Embassy, economists, eminent practitioners, opinion formers, and potential foreign investor countries.
Economist Sakib Sherani in his Keynote address, said, “Energy is a critical input for the economic development process, Pakistan’s energy policies and overall paradigm should support national goals of environmentally-sustainable industrialization and export-led growth, and a more holistic approach is required. Emergent issues like inter-province energy cost differentials for industry need to be addressed.”
The theme of this year’s forum was: “Approaching new frontiers in Energy-sufficiency” which was aimed to help the experts determine how strategic decisions in this sector can pave the way to meet energy demand and drive economic prosperity in the future. Chairman WAPDA, General (Retd) Muzzamil Hussain highlighted the issues and opportunities in the sector and said that the time is ripe now to walk the talk. He emphasized the need for accessibility over affordability.
In the opening session, “Strategic and Regulatory Paradigm for Energy Sufficiency”, Scott M. Miller, Energy Officer from the US Embassy Islamabad, said, “Through public and private sector projects, Pakistan and America have worked together to improve energy sector performance and governance, and to help Pakistan develop and grow its economy. Through U.S. government-funded projects, more than 28 million Pakistanis have access to electricity.”
Mr. Arshad Maqsood Malik, Chief (Energy) Planning Commission of Pakistan, concluded, “In parallel public and private sectors may continue to play their roles in the development and energy sufficiency of Pakistan. Policies and regulations may be improved to facilitate the private sector investment; and the management and governance capacity of public sector be strengthened to improve its efficiencies.”
Mr. Muhammad Raziuddin, CEO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil & Gas Company opined that indigenous oil and gas exploration & production on Fast Track basis should be initiated, transfer of technology, 18th Amendment to be implemented, develop provincial petroleum policies and seek technical assistance from the ADB, World Bank, USAID etc.
The second session “Integrating Public and Private Investment for Equitable Energy Mix” featured Mr. Werner E. Liepach, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (Pakistan Mission) who said, energy in Pakistan requires investment, security and reliability; with there being no ideal solution for an equitable energy mix. Sardar Shaukat Aziz Popalzai eulogized the wealth of Balochistan and stressed on the government to explore the endless opportunities for energy in the province. Mr. Mahfooz Ahmed Qazi, Director, Energy Department, Government of Sindh projected the extent of coal-mining work being carried out in the province and aired an compelling video to support his presentation.
The third session “Technology for Ecology, Optimizing Alternative Energy Resources” was addressed by Mr. Amjad A. Awan, CEO, Alternate Energy Board and Syed Imran Shah, Manager Business Development, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, who reiterated that the future of Pakistan’s clean and healthy energy requirement, lay in the recognition and proliferation of renewal energy options, wind, solar and bio-mass.
Being organized for the ninth consecutive time, the conference has made a mark as one of the premier events in the federal capital focusing on the challenges of the energy sector.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Menin Rodrigues, Chairman of SHAMROCK Conferences International and the Convener of the conference said, “Over the years, Pakistan has been facing numerous challenges in tapping the available resources to ensure consistent supply of energy, needed for the smooth functioning of the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors. Fortunately, the Government is now evidently cognizant of this critical need and is showing great diligence to establish large-scale energy ventures, to power every deprived region and segment in the country.”
The annual conclave of key stakeholders attracted 150 delegates from more than 100 companies and organizations that are directly or indirectly connected to the energy sector in Pakistan. Display stalls were set-up by sponsor companies which provided additional attention from the participants.
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