ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Amanullah Khan Jadoon Friday said the government was taking concrete steps for promotion of petroleum sector to make the country self-sufficient in this vital field.

He was talking to a three-member delegation of Petroleum Exploration and Production Companies Association (PEPCA) which called on him here on Friday and discussed with him matters pertaining to cooperation in the petroleum sector. The delegation was headed by its Chairman Phillip Byrne.

The minister said the government would fully cooperate with the investors in the exploration and production activities for mutual advantage. He appreciated the role of PEPCA for promoting the Pakistan petroleum industry and asked the local and foreign petroleum companies to enhance their activities in the offshore and onshore exploration sector.

He assured them full cooperation in this regard. Phillip Byrne felicitated the minister on assuming the portfolio and hoped that the petroleum companies operating in Pakistan would increase their network of exploration and production activities for mutual benefit. Secretary Petroleum Ahmad Waqar, members of PEPCA delegation and senior officials of the ministry were also present during the meeting.