22-member energy trade mission visit US

HOUSTON: A 22-member Energy Trade Mission led by Mr. Shaid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister of Pakistan for Petroleum and Natural Resources, visited Houston, Texas.

Participants of the mission included representatives from leading oil and gas companies from the public as well as the private sector. The aim of the mission was to explore the possibility of discovering and exploration oil and gas resources in Pakistan through sharing of knowledge.

During their briefings, meetings and field visits in and around Houston, the delegates apprised the US side about Pakistan needs and potential for cooperation in the energy sector.

The hosts gave presentations on the resources and expertise available with them and the experience of sharing the same with companies from friendly countries.

The areas of common interest included improvement in oil and gas well efficiency, conservation of natural gas to pipeline grade gas, exploration and exploitation of new gas reserves, exploitation of shale gas through latest technologies, off shore exploration and up Gradation of oil refineries.

The consulate general of Pakistan in Houston Mr. Afzaal Mahmood and US State department organized an evening of networking and matchmaking functions for the delegation. Representatives from US energy companies and business community of Pakistani Americans attended the events. Minister Shahdi Khaqan Abbasi and his team tried to attract investment and latest technology to Pakistan. The visit took place on the invitation of US embassy in Islamabad.

Moreover, congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee welcomed the delegation in Houston and gave recognition to the federal minister. On the special occasion US ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Richard Olson and consul General of Pakistan to Houston, Mr. Afzal Mahmoud, and representative of Congressman Al Green, Congressman Steve Stockman were also present in this event.