May 5, 2006	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 6, 1427

ISLAMABAD, May 4: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon on Thursday said the government was providing a competitive environment and level-playing field to investors in downstream petroleum sector.

He was talking to the Chief Executive Officer of Total Petroleum company of France, Emmanuel Laurenty who called on him here.

During the meeting both sides discussed investment prospects in the petroleum sector.

The minister said that as a result of deregulation, liberalisation and investor-friendly policies introduced by the government, the downstream petroleum industry had witnessed a tremendous growth in the last few years.

“The government would encourage and facilitate investors in the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors for mutual advantage.

Jadoon said that escalating oil prices in the international market were not only effecting the growth of economy of the developing countries but was also a great upset for the promotion of downstream petroleum industry.

He said the French Total company, which has modern techniques in LNG field could also participate in Pakistan’s LNG projects for the mutual benefit.

The CEO of Total Petroleum briefed the minister about his Company’s activities in the downstream oil sector.

He said Total was playing its due role for boosting the oil industry in Pakistan for the mutual advantage. His company could cooperate with Pakistan in LNG projects.—APP