ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: A four-member delegation led by President, BBI International and Bio-fuels Canada, Mike Bryan, called on Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon here on Monday and discussed with him matters pertaining to promoting alternative resources of energy in Pakistan.

The minister said the government was actively focusing on using the alternate resources of energy in order to reduce dependence on oil imports. He said the government was also making all-out efforts to exploit the untapped oil and gas resources for socio-economic benefits of the country.

Mr Jadoon said an attractive package was also being offered to the investors in the oil and gas offshore and onshore exploration. The minister said at present the county was self-sufficient in motor gasoline and exporting its surplus.

"The government is also promoting CNG as an alternative fuel as replacement of gasoline. The policy to replace diesel is under consideration." The minister invited Canadian investment in oil and gas, bio-fuel and bio-diesel sectors.

Mike Bryan briefed the minister about his company's involvement in the alternative fuels and expressed the desire to develop ethanol and bio-diesel forms of renewal energy for Pakistan. He said the company had an experience in conducting feasibility studies and business plans for bio-fuels projects, including ethanol and bio-diesel. -APP