ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The first-ever Pakistan Minerals Summit 2023 themed ‘Dust to Development: Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’ witnessed keen interest from international investors.
In the Summit held in Islamabad on Tuesday, it was committed by all stakeholders to ensure the prosperity and uplift of countrymen by harnessing the immense potential of mineral resources.
The Pakistan Minerals Summit 2023 was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Barrick (Barrick Gold Corporation).
It aimed to unlock Pakistan’s valuable mineral resources, propelling the Country towards rapid development.
In the Inaugural Session, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barrick Gold Corporation Mark Bristow, the Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, and the Secretary Petroleum Division Muhammad Mahmood addressed the participants.
In his remarks at the Summit, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said “We have trillions of dollars worth of natural resources, why can’t we convert our dust into gold?”
The Army Chief General Asim Munir said “With an empowered workforce, and the development of human capital, we would make sure that local community is an active participant in the mining sector and our commitment will not waiver.”
The Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s key challenge is exports, saying “We consume more dollars and are not able to earn enough dollars. So, we want agriculture and mining to be our export engines.”
The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said “There are three future drivers of growth for Pakistan: agriculture, mining, and IT.”
Dr. Musadik Malik said “What we need to do is to make sure that everyone and most of all the community gets an opportunity. I think the regulatory framework must ensure that schools and clinics come before the first shovel.”
The Minister of State said “Our vision is equity-driven, employment-centered and growth focused which will lead to making Pakistan a destination of choice for investments.”
The Vice Minister for Mining Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of industry and mineral Resources H.E Khalid Al Mudaifer said “The Mining Sector of Pakistan is going to be a game-changer. It is blessed with tremendous resources & is a gateway to South Asia, Central Asia, and Middle East.”
The Secretary Petroleum Division Muhammad Mahmood said “Over 30 global investors are here today which is testament to the potential of Pakistan’s mining sector. We have discovered 92 minerals, & 4,000 mines that can offer employment to 300,000”.
MoS for Petroleum @DrMusadikMalik and H.E Khalid Al Mudaifer, Vice minister mining, Ministry of industry and mineral Resources KSA exchanged tokens of gratitude on the sidelines of Pakistan Minerals Summit pic.twitter.com/XGEBFO0QdG
— Petroleum Division, Ministry of Energy (@Official_PetDiv) August 1, 2023
It was followed by panel discussions by international investors, mining industry giants, corporate leaders, and government stakeholders to create a roadmap for tapping into the tremendous mineral riches the Country offers today.
On the sidelines of Pakistan Minerals Summit, the Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of industry and mineral Resources H.E Khalid Al Mudaifer exchanged tokens of gratitude.
