–with formal meeting of oil partner’s local staff

THE relationship between the Government of Guyana and the Chinese oil and gas firm, Nexen, advanced a notch further Wednesday with the introduction of Minister of Natural Resources, Mr Raphael Trotman to the company’s local representatives.

According to a release from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the two men who will be at the helm of Nexen Guyana are Regional Manager Mr. Anand Gohil, and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC)’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Guoyong Li. The meeting was facilitated by
Mr. Paul Khanna, Adviser on Government Relations and Climate Change.

Nexen, also referred to as CNOOC Nexen, is a subsidiary of State-owned CNOOC, reputedly the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China. It engages in a range of activities worldwide through companies that offer services in oil and gas exploration and development, refining and marketing, natural gas and power generation, engineering and technical and financial services.

As a partner in the development of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, CNOOC Nexen has a 25% interest in the operation, while Hess and ExxonMobil each has 30% and 45% respectively.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Guoyong will be joining Mr. Gohil, who has already taken up residence here, so that together they can manage the company’s operations at this end.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the ministry said in its release, Minister Trotman was briefed on CNOOC Nexen’s operations worldwide, and plans to expand its operations locally.

Mr Gohil, besides noting CNOOC Nexen’s support of “green” initiatives and applauding Guyana’s “green” economy trajectory, also shared the company’s vision of being recognised as a safe, environmentally-friendly company and a valued member of the community.

Discussions also included some potential areas of collaboration, as well as the company’s plans to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan that will provide a roadmap for supporting growth and development in Guyana.

Minister Trotman, in addition to tracing the historic ties between China and Guyana, reportedly expressed the hope that CNOOC Nexen would firmly establish themselves and contribute positively to Guyana’s development.

He also viewed the meeting as the first of many engagements that will unfold as the company develops a presence here.