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Pakistan State Oil and Engro Sign MoU for Thar Coal Project

April 02, 2013

Date: Date: April 2, 2013
Pakistan State Oil and Engro Sign MoU for Thar Coal Project

With an eye towards diversification of its business line, the country's leading public sector company, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Engro Powergen Limited (EPL) to review of the technical and economical feasibility of the Thar coal project. The MoU was signed between Mr. Naeem Yahya Mir, CEO & MD - PSO and Mr. Muhammad Ali Ansari, President and CEO, Engro Corporation Limited.

Also present at the occasion were Mr. Zubair Motiwalla-Chairman Sindh Board of Investment and Chairman Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Mr. Shamsuddin Ahmed Shaikh - CEO SECMC along with Mr. Mohammad Arif Khan - Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Government of Sindh, Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan - Secretary of Coal and Energy Development Department Government of Sindh and other directors of the company. Additionally present on location were Mr. Sohail Butt - DMD (F&IT) and Mr. Naved Alam Zubairi - SGM (Projects) on behalf of PSO.

This MoU has been signed keeping in view the fact that as coal is comparatively cheaper and easily available in comparison to other fuel sources, it has become the fuel of choice for developed nations across the world. Therefore, with an aim of responsibly providing for the rising energy needs of the country, PSO is exploring multiple investment opportunities in the energy sector with special emphasis on Thar Coal and intends to acquire 50% of Engro Powergen Limited's shares in SECMC as part of this plan.

Both PSO and Engro are in agreement that coal is the best possible indigenous fossil fuel resource for Pakistan and has the potential to address the country's severe power shortage and bring energy security to the country. Through this project, not only will the energy chain be strengthened it will also generate extensive economic activity nationwide while developing Pakistan's human capital through the execution and operation of state-of-the-art coal mining and coal-based power generation projects. Additionally by playing a lead role in developing this national resource, both companies will be able to strengthen their financial bottom line and expand further through downstream commercial projects based on Thar coal.

Both companies are of the opinion that this MoU will serve as the foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership which will result in extensive benefits for future progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Naeem Y. Mir said, "Through this MoU, two companies have combined their synergies to develop a self-reliant energy supply chain for the country. Indigenous fuel is our future and with the support and backing of the Sindh Government we are taking steps to meet Pakistan's energy needs in the years to come." Echoing his sentiments, Mr. Ali Ansari said "This is a momentous occasion as both companies have joined hands for a project of national interest and one which will provide for the energy security of the next generation." In his speech after the signing ceremony, Mr. Zubair Motiwalla stated, "The Government of Sindh has been working tirelessly to meet the rising energy needs of the population and the decision to purchase 51% shareholding in SECMC is a clear indication of the Government's commitment and support of the Thar Coal project.

PSO in its role of being both a public sector as well as the largest energy company in Pakistan today is committed to meeting the fuel needs of the country in a timely and responsible manner.
 

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