Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline talks advance
Iran-Pakistan, Economics, 5/12/2006

Negotiations on the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project are at advance stage and hopefully agreements would be signed by the next month, a Pakistani cabinet minister said yesterday.

Keeping in view the fast growing economy and its future needs, Pakistan is working to import gas from Iran, Turkmenistan and Qatar, Water and Power Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi told the Pakistan Development Forum 2006 in Islamabad.

He said Pakistan is already importing electricity from Iran for Mekran Coastal Area in southwestern Balochistan to meet electricity requirements. Pakistan is also on its way to import electricity from Tajikistan via Afghanistan, he said.

Jatoi said Pakistan is working on improving its national transport system and road, rail, ports and aviation network to provide quality facilities and trade corridor to the international traders.

These steps will help enhance Pakistan's share in international trade from point five to one percent. Jatoi said Pakistan has opened its arms for private investment to ensure water and energy security and meet future national requirements in these sectors.

The government has ensured win-win situation for all stake holders to promote private sector investment with assurance for maximum profits. He said that to encourage more private investment in these sectors which have to play a significant role in the country's rapid progress, investment process has been simplified ensuring transparency.

He said keeping in view the importance of water and energy security, government has simplified procedures with the establishment of one window operation for private investors in these sectors

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