Economist Sahib Sherani in his Keynote address, said, "Energy is a critical input for the economic development process, Pakistan's energy policies and overall paradigm should support national goals of environmentally-sustainable industrialisation and export-led growth, and a more holistic approach is required. Emergent issues like inter-province energy cost differentials for industry need to be addressed." Chairman WAPDA, General (Retd) Muzzamil Hussain highlighted the issues and opportunities in the sector and said that the time is ripe now to walk the talk. He emphasised the need for accessibility over affordability.
In the opening session, "Strategic and Regulatory Paradigm for Energy Sufficiency", Scott M. Miller, Energy Officer from the US Embassy Islamabad, said, "Through public and private sector projects, Pakistan and America have worked together to improve energy sector performance and governance, and to help Pakistan develop and grow its economy. Through U.S. government-funded projects, more than 28 million Pakistanis have access to electricity." Mr. Arshad Maqsood Malik, Chief (Energy) Planning Commission of Pakistan, concluded, "In parallel public and private sectors may continue to play their roles in the development and energy sufficiency of Pakistan. Policies and regulations may be improved to facilitate the private sector investment; and the management and governance capacity of public sector be strengthened to improve its efficiencies." The second session "Integrating Public and Private Investment for Equitable Energy Mix" featured Mr. Werner E. Liepach, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (Pakistan Mission) who said, energy in Pakistan requires investment, security and reliability; with there being no ideal solution for an equitable energy mix.-PR
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017