Oil and gas talks in China

29 Jul 2015 12:26 PM

FM meets oil and gas firms in Beijing.

Scotland’s world class expertise and experience in the North Sea oil and gas sector makes it the perfect place to invest, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

During her visit to China, Ms Sturgeon met senior representatives from Sinopec, PetroChina and CNOOC - three of the world’s largest oil and gas companies and large investors in Scotland’s offshore industry.

She also met with management from Aberdeen-based Plexus and senior representatives from its Chinese investor, Yantai Jereh Oilfield Services.

Plexus recently gained a multi-million pound investment from Jereh, one of the largest private oil firms in China. They also signed a collaboration agreement with China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL), Red Sea Technologies (RST) and Jereh to explore shallow water subsea and crossover wellhead production systems in China. COSL is majority owned by CNOOC.

She promoted Scotland’s North Sea oil and gas capability as reasons for the firms to look at the country for further innovation and exploration and highlighted a recent Scottish Enterprise survey of more than 260 senior global industry figures which found that:

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Scotland is a worldwide pioneer in the oil and gas sector thanks to our exploration and extraction work, and this is of huge appeal to countries all over the globe - including China.

“Through our innovation and expertise, we have given so much to an industry which spreads the world - but we still have so much to offer.

“Engaging with one of the world’s largest economies and explaining the quality and knowledge of our workforce is important if we are to encourage them to invest in Scotland.

“I made it clear to management from the firms that Scotland wants to work with them and seize on the vast opportunities that remain in the North Sea.

“Scotland is open for business and investment and partnership working with firm from countries like China will further cement our industry reputation for international leadership.”

The First Minister also announced that the Energy Jobs Taskforce will continue to meet beyond its initial six month commitment.

The Scottish Government set up the Energy Jobs Taskforce in January, which is helping protect jobs by co-ordinating action between government, the wider public sector industry and industry bodies.

Chaired by Scottish Enterprise’s Chief Executive Lena Wilson, it is supported by strategic engagement with global oil and gas leaders overseas and the wider promotion of Scotland’s world class capabilities and expertise to international customers, through Scottish Development International.

This demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Scottish Government and taskforce members, which includes senior representatives from industry bodies and commercial interests, to laying solid foundations for a truly modernized industry.

A third Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) event will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen.

Over 1,700 have attended two previous PACE events that provide practical support and showcase job opportunities, offer start-up support, further education and up-skilling opportunities. All individuals attending these events have been offered one-to-one follow up.

The First Minister added:

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to the oil and gas industry; it has been a true success story and we are working to ensure it will continue to be so.

“The Taskforce has worked to ensure with partners in the sector to maintain jobs and to mitigate the potential impact of any losses, and I think it is vitally important that it continues to do so for the foreseeable future.

“PACE is also a vital part of the government’s commitment to Scotland’s work force as it provides real and practical support to people who have been made redundant or who are facing the prospect

“The initiative has already helped a number of people and that’s why I’m keen for PACE to continue and support our workers.”

Notes To Editors

Scottish Enterprise report: http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/knowledge-hub/articles/insight/oil-gas-global-research

The Taskforce reports to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, which is co-chaired by the First Minister and Professor Jim McDonald.

PACE is delivered by Skills Development Scotland in conjunction with other partners and provides guidance and support to help reduce the time people are out of work.