POTENTIAL BIDDER FOR PSO KUWAIT PETROLEUM COMPANY
HOLDS MEETING WITH HAFEEZ SHAIKH

Islamabad, October 10, 2003

In line with the process of the privatisation of public sector entities, for better understanding of the transactions, a delegation of Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) led by Mr. Nader Sultan CEO, a potential bidder for Pakistan State Oil (PSO) held a meeting with Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment here today.

During the meeting the Minister appreciated the interest being shown by KPC and said that the people of Pakistan have lot of goodwill for the friendly and brotherly country Kuwait and its institutions.

He said that Pakistan attached great importance to this exciting transaction and its process was being kept very transparent and efforts were under way to bring the transaction close to the bidding point in consultation with all the potential bidders. All the substantive issues relating to the transaction had been largely resolved and now a final date for it's bidding, keeping in view the logistic comfort of the investors, would be agreed and announced soon, he said.

Mr. Nader Sultan, CEO, KPC appreciated the process and the professionalism being demonstrated by Privatisation Commission and said Kuwait looked forward to have strategic links with an important country like Pakistan.

The Secretary PC Mr. Ahmad Waqar briefed the potential bidder regarding the bidding process and other related details. The KPC delegation during their stay in Pakistan will hold meetings with the PC officials and PSO management.