By John Lee.
The Ministry of Oil held a meeting with international oil companies operating in Iraq to discuss challenges facing projects, increasing production, and improving operational performance.
According to the Ministry, Minister of Oil Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi said companies working in Iraq are considered partners rather than contractors, and called for cooperation to implement contractual obligations and resolve operational issues.
The meeting included representatives from international oil companies, including BP, with the company's Iraq director Zaid Al-Yasiri thanking the minister for supporting companies operating in Iraq and saying that continued discussions would help address issues related to training, HSE, costs and payments.
The minister called on companies to compete in developing oil and gas fields and gas blocks in western Iraq, and highlighted the importance of:
- Increasing production and improving quality
- Developing Iraqi capabilities through training programmes under contractual provisions
- Implementing social benefits programmes in areas hosting oil projects
- Improving health, safety and environment (HSE) standards to reduce accidents
- Reviewing tender costs and maintaining international quality standards
The meeting also addressed contract implementation, workforce development, foreign employee numbers and salaries, taxes and customs issues, crude oil specifications, security services, and delays in tenders outside operators' authority.
Ministry officials and company representatives agreed to follow up on the meeting's outcomes and hold a further discussion after two months.
(Source: Ministry of Oil)
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