ISLAMABAD, April 28: The chief executives of various oil and gas exploration companies held separate meetings with Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon in London and expressed their strong desire to invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector.

The executives include Tour Dream Vice-President Coboco Phillips, Lukoil President Movik Zurrept, BG Tuinthy Senior Vice-President J. Forbes, Technip Senior Vice-President Marecllo Giordano, Tempest Resources Director Peter Bonisch, Centurion Energy Intil President Said Arrata, Red Rock Energy Director (Exploration) Dr Syed M.H. Abedo, besides chief executives of EMO, Gazprom, MOL Preinieroil, BHP and OMV, said a message received from London here on Thursday.

State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Mohammad Naseer Mengal, Secretary Petroleum Ahmad Waqar and DG (Petroleum Concessions) G.A. Sabri were also present during the meetings.

In meetings, they discussed investment opportunities and potential in Pakistan’s oil and sector and termed it “a promising and fantastic one”.

Mr Jadoon briefed them about the investment opportunities in the onshore and offshore exploration, cross border gas pipelines, construction of underground gas storage, coastal refinery and privatization of state owned oil and gas entities.

Pakistan, he said, has offered 20 blocks to prospective investors in onshore and offshore exploration and they could fully participate for the mutual advantage.

The chief executives of the companies lauded the tremendous growth of Pakistan’s oil and gas sector and wanted to take full advantage of investment potential for both sides benefit.—APP