The UK’s leading trade association for oil and gas supplies and services on Thursday concluded its first mission to the Kurdistan Region.
Dr Ashti Hawrami, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Minister of Natural Resources, met the delegation from the Energy Industries Council (EIC), which was accompanied by the British Consul General Hugh Evans.
After their meeting Minister Hawrami said:
“I’m pleased to welcome this important delegation from the EIC to Kurdistan. We discussed expanding our relations in oil and gas services and having more discussions in Erbil and London between the Kurdistan Region and UK businesses.“
Terry Willis, the mission leader and the EIC’s Middle East Director, said:
“We met all of the major players – the main oil and gas operators, contractors, relevant government departments. This visit has been very enlightening and has made us confident of the huge amount of opportunities that exist for the UK supply chain.“
He added, “What struck us is the ease of doing business here. We are looking to find initiatives to get the message out in the UK about the Kurdistan Region.”
During their seven-day visit the EIC delegation learned about the dynamics of the oil and gas industry of Kurdistan, met local companies in order to gain an understanding of the local business culture and seek business tie-ups, and learned about the Ministry of Natural Resources’ pre-qualification procedures for services providers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has put in place a pre-qualification process for oil and gas services to ensure that those which are qualified and experienced operate here, that they follow good working practices and provide employment opportunities for locals.
The mission was organised with the assistance of the KRG UK Representation in London. The mission comprised eight British oil and gas services providers and was supported by UKTI, the UK government’s trade and investment agency.
The mission participants were:
Agility Logistics; Atmos International pipeline software; Decisive Operations personnel training providers; Garlock sealing products manufacturer; Manlift temporary power generators; Mott MacDonald which covers a very wide range of business areas; Onstream equipment providers and project and technical recruitment; and, Triplefast fasteners and sealing products providers.
