ISLAMABAD, April 13 (DNA): Lapo Estelli, former Vice Prime Minister of Italy and current Vice President of ENI, reputed Italian oil and gas company, called on Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here Wednesday.

He was accompanied by Italian Ambassador, Stefano Pontecorvo. Lapo Pistelli apprised the Minister about ENI team’s interaction with senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and Ministry of Water and Power to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Mr. Lapo Estelli, it may be mentioned, along with members of his delegation had also met Finance Minister on Tuesday. The Minister had formed a group comprising ENI delegation, Ministry of P&NR and Ministry of Water & Power officials to discuss various matters about investment projects. The group held its discussions accordingly and shared its report with the Finance Minister Wednesday.

Mr. Lapo Pistelli said he was pleased to interact with Pakistani officials and found a positive feeling for forging a sound bilateral investment cooperation. He said ENI has keen interest to take up projects in the fields of LNG, Solar power and oil & gas exploration. He said concrete proposals in this regard would be shared with the Pakistan side as early as possible.

Mr. Lapo Pistelli appreciated the support and cooperation he received from the Finance Minister and his team for facilitating his interaction with various high officials in a short time.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that in view of Government’s increased focus on economic growth it was his desire to fully encourage foreign investment in Pakistan which was a major driver of growth. He said he looked forward to enhanced ENI presence in Pakistan in terms of investment in different projects. He assured Mr. Lapo all possible support and cooperation in this regard.

Senior officials of the Ministries of Finance, Petroleum & Natural Resources and Water & Power attended the meeting. DNA