Washington, : Pakistan is seeking United States private sector investment in energy sectorin order to overcome severe power shortages in the country.Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh,
who is here to attend IMF-World Bank meetings, told Pakistan-US Business Council members that his government is implementing economic reforms and committed to facilitate foreign investment.“We look forward to investment for developing massive Thar coal reserves in Sindh province, completingDiamer Basha Dam, other hydro electricity projects to meet expanding energy requirements, boost industrial growth and step up economic development. We also seek to increase agriculture productivity.investment in infrastructure projects will raise standard of living," Dr Shaikh said and hinted at talks on new projects with World Bank.He said government is committed to contain inflation, boost revenue generation and achieve better growth prospects despite devastating floods last year. He said exports in this fiscal year will register 26% rise over last fiscal.Jay Collins, Chairman Pakistan-US Business Council, said economic ties are a vital aspect of strategicrelationship between the two countries.