Thursday, March 8, 2007

Saarc to study trade in energy

NEW DELHI, : The Union power minister, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, today called for unanimity on the concerns common to Saarc nations.

Addressing the conference of Saarc energy ministers here, he expressed satisfaction that the working group in its recently held meeting had recommended developing a unified Saarc position on energy issues at various international forums. The minister drew attention to the fact that South Asia constitutes 22 per cent of the world population.

The energy ministers also approved commissioning of a comprehensive study on possibilities of trade in energy in the region. The study is expected to give greater confidence to the prospective investors in the energy projects in the region.

On the issue of climate change, Mr Shinde said carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the region is around one ton against 19 tons in case of some developed countries.

The energy ministers of Saarc countries pointed to the energy scenario and challenges being faced in their countries. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives, who are heavily dependent on oil and gas, emphasised the need to diversify energy mix and exploitation of renewable sources of energy and also of the resources available locally in the region.

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