April 12, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 23, 1428

RIYADH, April 11: Pakistan will be taking part in the second roundtable conference of Asian oil and energy ministers to be held in Riyadh on May 2. Minister for petroleum and natural resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon would represent Pakistan in the roundtable, secretary-general of the International Energy Forum Secretariat in Riyadh Ambassador Arne Walther confirmed.

The one-day forum will focus on the future of energy in Asia.

The Riyadh-based International Energy Forum Secretariat is hosting the Asian round-table conference.

Delegates from China, India, Japan, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, the Philippines, Bahrain, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as the Opec and the IEA will attend event.

This is the first time, Pakistan would be participating in the event.

The conference will have two working sessions. The first will focus on subjects, such as the future of energy in Asia, prospects of expanding oil and gas trade in east and west Asia, market fluctuations and alternative scenarios.

The second session will cover subjects, such as economic and energy inter-dependence of Asian countries; and issues related to investments in oil exploration, production, refining and marketing and the role of national and international companies.