ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Turkey have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting institutional cooperation, strengthening technical collaboration and enhancing knowledge exchange between their energy sector institutions.
The agreements were signed during high-level consultations held in Istanbul between Federal Minister of Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Turkish Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar.
Two of the MoUs were signed between the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) of Pakistan and the Energy Exchange (EPIAS) and Transmission System Operator (TEIAS) of Turkey, while a third MoU was signed between the Pakistan Energy Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and the Electricity Distribution Company of Turkey (TEDAS).
The MoUs cover cooperation on post-privatization governance frameworks, electricity market development and regulations governing ancillary services. They will also promote training programs, study visits and joint projects between the institutions involved.
The Turkish side expressed its commitment to supporting long-term institutional cooperation with Pakistan. The two countries agreed to work to strengthen institutional capacities and facilitate the exchange of technical expertise.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration in power system operation and transmission planning, while expanding cooperation in the management and digitalization of the electricity distribution sector.
Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and described bilateral partnerships as important for strengthening energy institutions. He described the MoUs as a key outcome of the energy dialogue and a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
The minister said Pakistan would benefit from Turkey’s experience in power market reforms as well as its expertise in developing the transmission system and modernizing the distribution sector.
Earlier, the energy ministers of Pakistan and Turkey held high-level inter-ministerial consultations on the energy sector. During the consultations, the two sides held in-depth discussions on reforms and privatization of electricity distribution companies.
The meeting aimed to benefit from international experience in restructuring, commercialization and privatization of Pakistan’s power sector. Pakistan has reviewed Turkey’s successful model of privatization of electricity distribution companies.
Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a transparent and investor-friendly privatization process. “Reforms in distribution companies, improvements in governance and strengthening of the regulatory framework are underway,” he said.
Turkey offered technical assistance for Pakistan’s energy sector reforms and assured its support for strengthening contacts between Pakistani authorities and Turkish companies. She also agreed to share her experience in privatization and electricity distribution.
Turkey has expressed support for Pakistan’s power sector reform and privatization program, while Turkish investors have been invited to invest in Pakistan’s power sector. The two sides decided to strengthen their cooperation aimed at improving the financial viability and performance of Pakistan’s power sector. They further agreed to promote a long-term partnership in the energy sector.
