ISLAMABAD - Former vice prime minister of Italy and current Vice President of ENI, a reputed Italian oil and gas company, Lapo Pistelli, called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here on Wednesday.
He was accompanied by Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo. 
Pistelli apprised the minister of ENI team’s interaction with senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and Ministry of Water and Power for exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. It may be mentioned here that Pistelli, along with his delegation, had also met Dar on Tuesday.
The minister had formed a group, comprising members of ENI delegation, Ministry of Planning & Natural Resources and Ministry of Water & Power officials, to discuss various matters related to investment projects. The group held discussions accordingly, and shared its report with the finance minister on Wednesday. Pistelli told the minister he was pleased to interact with the Pakistani officials from whom he received a positive response for forging a sound trade relationship.
He communicated to the minister ENI’s keen interest in taking up projects in the LNG, solar power and oil & gas sectors.
He said concrete proposals would be shared with the Pakistani side as early as possible in this regard. Pistelli appreciated the support and cooperation he received from the finance minister and his team for arranging his meetings with various high officials in a short time.
Dar said on the occasion that in view of government’s increased focus on economic growth, it was his desire to fully encourage foreign investment in Pakistan, which, he said, was a major driver of growth.
He said he was looking forward to enhanced ENI presence in Pakistan, in terms of investment in different projects.
He assured Pistelli all possible support and cooperation in this regard.