After 54 years, Pakistan became a part of World Energy Forum Gas Tech 2026.
According to the organizers of the conference and exhibition held from September 14 to 17 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) in Thailand, this is the first participation of a Pakistani company.
According to the official data of GasTech, 7000 delegates, 1000 exhibitors and representatives from 150 countries are participating in the conference. 50 thousand participants are expected during the conference and exhibition.
Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC) is the first Pakistani company in its 54-year history to set up a stall at the exhibition.
Speaking to Geo News in Bangkok, UGDC Chief Executive Officer Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said that the government’s policy of allocating 35 percent of gas to the private sector is an important step towards deregulation in the gas sector.
He said that the company wants to reduce gas prices in Pakistan through foreign investment, direct business partnerships and private gas distribution networks.
He said that at present gas distribution is with state-owned companies SNGPL and SSGC, however, UGDC is keen to establish private networks in collaboration with American and other international companies.
According to him, private sector networks will reduce gas losses and consumers will get cheaper gas.
Ghiyas Paracha said that UGDC has activated three dormant gas fields and is inviting global companies including ExxonMobil, Qatar Energy, ConocoPhillips and Trafigura to invest in Pakistan.
He said that with private investment, the government will get revenue in the form of taxes and transit fees, while the cost of energy will also decrease.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand Sadia Qazi visited the stall of UGDC and termed the participation of a Pakistani company in GasTech as an important milestone for the Pakistani business sector at the global level.
He also emphasized the importance of advanced technology, artificial intelligence and low carbon solutions in Pakistan’s energy sector.
By the end of the conference and exhibition, contracts worth billions of dollars are expected to be signed between different gas companies of the world, including gas exploration, production, distribution and delivery.