Deora calls for enhanced cooperation in cross-border trade in Gas

Inaugurating the 5th Asia Gas Partnership Summit in New Delhi, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Murli Deora informed Government of India’s commitment to take forward the implementation of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project along with the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline (IPI) project. He also confirmed his proposed visit to Islamabad that is scheduled to be held on April 23.

He stressed on the importance of Asian countries to increase cooperation in cross-border trade in Gas which needs a transparent, attractive, stable policy and regulatory regime that can further develop a strong economic partnership thereby strengthening traditional relationship.

Deora quoted as saying: “Asian gas markets are leading the growth in global gas sector with Asia today accounting for 70% of the total LNG trade. The Minister pointed out that Asian countries have natural areas of commonalities and synergy in social, economic and technological spheres. A multifaceted economic partnership will underpin more securely our traditionally close relationships. India on its part is ready to play sheet anchor role in this endeavour”.

The minister also talked about the government and state-owned enterprises along with private firms who have occupied centre-stage in the world gas and oil domain to play a proactive role in further enhancing various existing business opportunities.

Government of India, as Deora said, is ready to share its excellent training facilities performed in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, an institute of excellence at par with IITs to meet the demand of trained engineers and technicians in the field of hydrocarbon sector.

5th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (April 14-15)

Organised jointly by GAIL and FICCI, the two-day 5th Asia Gas Partnership Summit commencing here on Monday will focus on key issues in relation to Asian Gas markets.

In support from International Gas Union (IGU) the summit will be attended by industry leaders from all across the world and address on various aspects as the theme “The Asian Gas Market and Energy Security” suggests.

Business leaders would also search for new avenues of investment in Indian gas market. In a nutshell the summit will focus on building and strengthening partnerships among players within Asia as well as with players in the global oil and gas industry.