ISLAMABAD: An Australian green industry developer has shown interest for investment in zero carbon emission technologies — particularly fertiliser and steel production plants — in Pakistan.

On Monday, West Australian Fortescue Metals Group Chairman Andrew Forrest met with Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razzak Dawood and Chairman of Board of Investment (BoI) Atif Bokhari to discuss these opportunities.

Over the past two days, a delegation led by Forrest has visited some potential sites for projects which can sustain the industry. The group is undertaking exploration activities in New South Wales and South Australia, as well as in Ecuador and Argentina.

The group informed the BoI team that Pakistan is one of the short-listed countries, which are being actively being explored for investments. The investments would focus on green industry, starting from generation of hydropower and development of industry associated land, which would be owned and operated by the group with the help of local partners.

The investment from Fortescue Group would result in generating economic opportunities for local communities, employment and large-scale development of green industry for export market and domestic consumption. In addition, it will result in diversification and up-skilling of workforce in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2020