At the 8th Silk Route Expo held in Xian, China, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik led a delegation of Pakistani energy companies, aiming to forge collaborations with their Chinese counterparts to enhance Pakistan’s energy sector. The Pakistan Pavilion became a hub for discussions, where Dr. Malik engaged with representatives from major Chinese firms such as Shaanxi Energy Bureau, Yanchang Petroleum Group, and Shanghai Electric, among others.
Pakistani companies, including Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), showcased lucrative investment opportunities. During the forum, Dr. Malik emphasized the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, assuring Chinese companies of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating partnerships, either individually or in consortia.
Discussions highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including oil and gas exploration, refinery upgrades, and coal conversion initiatives. Dr. Malik also pointed out Pakistan's extensive coal reserves and the country's strategic focus on producing fertilizer from coal-based energy. He introduced future prospects of producing green and blue hydrogen and ammonia, advocating for technological partnerships and joint ventures. Business-to-business meetings further enriched the dialogue, fostering exchanges of opportunities and collaborative plans between the two nations.