Pakistan is seeking greater energy independence with a wide-reaching funding programme overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

Speaking to the Associated Press of Pakistan, a senior official at the ministry said that the country's new petroleum policy for 2009 includes an expanded budget for oil training that will focus on building the skills of the national workforce.

The unnamed official said that for each exploratory block made available to foreign companies working in the oil and gas industry, there will be a requirement that 50 per cent of the posts are filled by Pakistani workers.

The new initiative also increases the scope for oil and gas training for regional workers by expanding internship and scholarship opportunities, the representative said.

In other recent developments, the Pakistan Britain Trade and Investment Forum has told advisers to the ministry that the UK is Pakistan's largest foreign investment partner and called for expanded cooperation in the energy and mining sectors.

Written by Neil Burton

5th Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Exploration and Production