France Renews Offer to Export LNG to Pakistan After Decade
By Newztodays Team
France has once again extended an offer to export LNG to Pakistan, marking over a decade since the initial proposal.
France has now offered Pakistan the provision of LNG cargo, alongside potential investments in other energy projects.
Previously, a French company had proposed cheaper LNG to Pakistan, but the issue was brought before the apex court during the previous regime of the PPP.
The Supreme Court then directed the Prime Minister at the time to oversee the bidding process for LNG import in April 2010. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry initiated suo motu proceedings on the LNG project.
The Ministry of Petroleum awarded a multi-billion dollar contract for LNG import to a French firm, prompting allegations that the lowest bidder was overlooked. In reality, there were two LNG projects—one long-term and one short-term. Shell Projects LNG Demand To Rise over 50% by 2040
The controversy stemmed from comparing the companies participating in these two projects rather than comparing prices within a single project.
After nearly a decade has passed, France has once again offered Pakistan the opportunity to export LNG cargo.
Recently, the French Deputy Head of Mission, Guillaume Dabouis, met with the newly appointed Minister of Energy, Dr. Musadiq Masood Malik.
They discussed potential collaboration in Pakistan’s energy sector. French officials expressed keen interest in investing in various aspects of Pakistan’s energy landscape, from LNG cargo provision to energy resource exploration and projects aimed at enhancing energy trading, distribution, and transmission within the country.
Additionally, the French delegation expressed interest in initiatives to reduce line losses and revitalize Pakistan’s energy sector as a whole.
The Pakistani minister reaffirmed his commitment to addressing Pakistan’s longstanding energy challenges comprehensively. He assured that the new government would present a thoroughly prepared plan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultations to ensure that any agreements made with the IMF align with the best interests of the Pakistani people.
Furthermore, he underscored the government’s broader economic reform agenda, including overhauls in the Energy, Finance, Commerce, Industries & Production, and Communication sectors.
He emphasized the prioritization of IT and SMEs to align with the Prime Minister’s transformation plan and highlighted the Prime Minister’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector through the integration of AI and Machine Learning technologies.
The discussions between the French Deputy Head of Mission and the Minister of Energy signal promising collaboration between the two countries. Both nations possess the potential to address Pakistan’s energy challenges while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Pakistan and France.
