Interactive Session on “TAPI – the project for peace and prosperity”

On 11th March 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized an Interactive Session on “TAPI – the project for peace and prosperity” at Islamabad. Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO & Chairman of the Board, TAPI pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) was the Chief Guest of the occasion.
Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd) – President CGSS commenced the session by stating that TAPI project is a game changer for this region.
His Excellency Atadjan Movlamov – Ambassador of the Republic of Turkmenistan stated that Turkmenistan is a neutral country with positive approach of cooperation among the regional players. Turkmenistan holds fourth richest gas reserves which can be shared with regional countries for enhanced cooperation. TAPI is a win-win project for all the countries involved. The agreements related to TAPI project have already been signed and now we are in the phase of practical implementation of its goals.
Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO & Chairman of the Board, TAPI pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) stated that the TAPI project is beacon for peace and stability through which clean source of energy will be provided. The project is strategically important for the region. It will bring many direct and indirect social, economic, political and environmental benefits to the region. TAPI Pipeline will be the only source of pipeline gas to each of the three nations. Without the TAPI Pipeline, these countries are dependent on coal, oil and expensive LNG.
Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov stated that with TAPI project, the gas volume is expected to transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas a year and the length of the pipeline is 1,840km transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. This project aims to bring natural gas from the Galkynysh and adjacent gas fields in Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. TAPI Pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) is owned by state owned gas companies. This project will be implemented in two phases, phase one is the construction of pipeline and phase two is the construction of six compressors. We have appointed a world-class team of advisors with extensive experience advising on complex transnational pipeline projects. The Project will be executed in accordance with World Bank EHS Guidelines, ADB Safeguard Policies and IFC performance standards with zero physical displacement during construction of the Project and comprehensive Corporate and Social Responsibility programs are also considered. The Project has the full support of the Governments of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
He stated that the project will provide a significant economic boost to the three developing country buyers. Natural gas power generation is significantly cheaper than diesel and fuel oil. It will provide access to natural gas will stimulate industrialization and investment. Afghanistan and Pakistan will benefit from billions of dollars of transit fees. Project contracts will be awarded to contractors from Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey providing further economic benefits to those nations. The project shall also bring awareness for the region in terms of modern hi-tech equipment, technologies and so forth.
The event was attended by 35 people from various Ministries, Think Tanks, experts of economy, trade, energy and senior Advisory Board Members of CGSS.