ISLAMABAD: Australia has offered Pakistan joint venture for the development of Thar coal to exploit its energy potential that would help the country overcome its energy crisis.

“We can jointly exploit the gift of Thar Coal,” the Ambassador of Australia to Pakistan Peter Heyward said Tuesday in a meeting with the delegation of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI).

The delegation members included President IWCCI Farida Rashid, Adviser IWCCI Malik Sohail, Naima Ansari and other officer bearers.

The Ambassador said that major Australian mining and oil and gas companies were keenly watching developments in Pakistan which would help them plan stepping in this promising market.

The Australian Ambassador said that his country was also interested in Pakistan's matchless potential in human and natural resource.

Peter Heyward said that Australia can get access to energy rich central Asia and Gulf states by using Pakistan as an economic bridge and noted that both the countries can further strengthen bonds in education and agriculture sectors.

Pakistan fulfils every criterion to become a developed nation soon, he said, adding that no county can afford keep away women from taking part in the development of economy.

Underlining the importance of linkages, Heyward said that Pakistani and Australian businesswomen associations would be linked while his country will offer training, education, networking, information sharing and exchange opportunities to Pakistani women.

According to IWCCI press statement, speaking on the occasion,wife of the Ambassador, Ms Suzzane Heyward said that she will try best to infuse confidence in business women by encouragement and capacity building measures.

She offered her residence for exhibitions where wives of all Ambassadors would be invited which will help local women entrepreneurs find business and intercommunication opportunities.

President IWCCI Farida Rashid said that economies of Pakistan and Australia were compatible which is prerequisite for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

“We have a great consumer market and a competent workforce which is fourth largest in the world,” Farida informed.

Adviser IWCCI Malik Sohail also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the potential of Pakistani market for the international investors.