Islamabad: In a significant step towards enhancing energy self-sufficiency, Pakistan’s Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese company CCDC. This agreement, aimed at exploring shale and tight gas potentials within Pakistan, was signed during the 8th Silk Road International Expo held in Xian, Shaanxi Province, China.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the MoU was witnessed by the Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, and marks a pivotal development in the bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, particularly in the energy sector. The collaboration focuses on tapping into the vast, untapped shale and tight gas resources in Pakistan, which could significantly address the nation’s energy needs using indigenous resources.

Dr. Malik expressed gratitude towards the Chinese hosts for the honor bestowed upon Pakistan at the expo and expressed optimism about the future of this partnership. He highlighted that the collaboration would not only strengthen ties between the two nations but also unlock a new chapter in Pakistan’s quest for energy security through the development of non-traditional gas resources.

The partnership between OGDCL and CCDC is expected to bring advanced technologies and investments into Pakistan’s energy sector, fostering growth and sustainability in line with both countries’ mutual interests.