Pakistan, Australia deepen energy, mining cooperation

ISLAMABAD: In a move to strengthen bilateral relations, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, has proposed a wide-ranging partnership involving Australian universities, mining firms, and Pakistani institutions.

The initiative aims to introduce specialised training programmes focused on advanced mining techniques.

This initiative aims to build local expertise and advance the development of Pakistan’s mining sector, which remains an untapped pillar of the country’s economy.

The proposal was made during a meeting with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, held on Monday at the Ministry of Petroleum in Islamabad. The discussions between the two dignitaries focused on broadening bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining sectors, with particular emphasis on investment, technology transfer, and skill development.

High Commissioner Hawkins lauded Pakistan’s recent economic progress under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, noting the improved current account surplus and policies that have encouraged profit repatriation. He highlighted that these economic gains have restored the confidence of multinational firms operating in Pakistan and have created a conducive environment for foreign investment.

Expressing strong interest from Australian mining companies, Hawkins pointed out the significant potential of Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions, especially in resources such as copper, gold, and rare earth elements. He underscored that specialized training and technological collaboration could enable Pakistan to harness these resources more efficiently and sustainably.

Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik welcomed the proposal, appreciating Australia’s advanced mining expertise and technical acumen. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing energy security and industrial growth, stating that the country seeks partnerships that not only bring investment but also strengthen local human resource capabilities.
“Pakistan values Australia’s advanced mining capabilities. We welcome partnerships that build local capacity and attract investment in our mineral and energy sectors,” Malik remarked.