09 October 2004	Saturday	23 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Oct 8: Petroleum Ministry has decided to enhance energy resources and to attract more investment as per directives of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Federal Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Ahmed Waqar on Friday held a meeting with member companies of Pakistan Petroleum Exploration and Production Companies Association (PPEPCA) in this regard.

He discussed with the chief executives of the oil and gas production companies the ways to attract more investment in the sector and accelerate exploration activities in the country.

Mr Ahmed informed the participants on the incentives and exemption offered by the government for investing in oil and gas sector. The secretary focussed on drilling activity.

It was followed by a detailed presentation by a PPEPCA member, highlighting the difficulties and hindrances faced by the exploration and production companies in the performance of their operations.

During the meeting some suggestions were made for rejuvenating exploration and production activities. It was decided that PPEPCA would provide concrete and workable proposals for consideration by the petroleum ministry.

The meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary Petroleum Iftikhar Ahmad, DG (PC) G.A. Sabri, all the chief executives of the foreign and local oil and gas companies working in Pakistan and senior officials from the petroleum ministry. -APP