22-03-05
Norway, a major oil exporter, is prepared to help Iraq build up its oil
industry by sharing experience, training and technology, a deputy minister said. Norway is the world's third-largest oil exporter, after Saudi Arabia and
Russia, and has a capacity of 3.2 mm bpd of oil plus natural gas from its
offshore fields. Iraq is also a potentially major oil supplier, but its industry
has been hard hit by war, sabotage, and mismanagement under the regime of ousted
president Saddam Hussein. Ministry spokesman Espen Gullikstad said Norway envisages a three-year, 23.5
mm-Norwegian-kroner ($ 1 = NOK 6.1908) program. Lunde said Norwegian aid could
include training and education for Iraqi oil officials, setting up regulations
for oil field operations and accounting for the income. Lunde said the Norwegian oil and finance ministries, as well as training
institutions and possibly private companies, will also be involved in the
project. Norway opposed the US-led 2003 war in Iraq, but sent a contingent of about
150 military engineers to assist with general reconstruction for one year after
the war ended.
Source: Dow JonesNorway prepared to help Iraq build up oil industry
"There is real interest in doing this and getting it going this year,"
Norwegian Deputy Minister of International Development Leiv Lunde told.
"Iraq presents its own special challenges," said Lunde. He said
Norway, with more than 30 years experience as an oil producer, is discussing
needs with Iraq, and is ready to help when details are settled. The talks were
requested by Iraq, which is seeking help in such areas as training and
technology, Lunde said.
"Openness in accounting for the money coming in and going out from the oil
industry is very important," he said. Lunde said developing countries often
run into problems with accounting for the funds, sometimes because of
corruption.
"But this would be a state to state agreement, and not a door opener for
Norwegian companies," he said. Lunde said other countries, the World Bank
and the UN are also likely to become involved in efforts to help rebuild the
Iraqi oil industry.
Those troops were withdrawn in June 2004, and the Nordic country is now
represented by about 10 military staff officers.