Pakistan to import LNG soon: Dastagir

KARACHI: Pakistan is expected to start the first commercial import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the next couple of months, which will help the country overcome an alarming energy crisis, Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan said on Friday.
“The construction of the LNG terminal at the Port Qasim by Engro Elengy Terminal is underway and the government hopes that this project of national importance will complete by the end of this month,” Khan told journalists during a meeting with the members of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
An official of Engro Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited confirmed that the project is near completion.
“The terminal is likely to start receiving the LNG consignments by the end of March this year,” the official said. “The government will decide when the terminal is going to be operational.” The federal minister informed the FPCCI leadership that the government is making all-out efforts to improve economic growth and boost trade and investment activities in the country.
“Curbing energy problems and improvement of the law and order situation are the two underlying challenges, which the government is trying to tame to put the economy on the sustainable path of growth and development,” he said.
Minister Khan said the government will support the business community and provide them a level-playing field to increase exports of Pakistan in the international market.
He criticised the FPCCI and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), saying that both the organisations are not playing their due roles in exploring new export markets in the world.
The commerce minister directed the President FPCCI Mian Muhammad Adrees to prepare the recommendations on behalf of business community for the revival of economic growth in the country.
Earlier, the Chief Executive TDAP SM Muneer said the authority is organising trade fairs and exhibitions to promote exports in different countries.
TDAP chief said the preparation of Expo Pakistan 2014 is underway, while the next event Aalishan Pakistan will be held in Middle East, Europe, South Asia, Africa and America soon.