UK can play a central role in global oil and gas skills drive
Two UK Government Ministers welcome the President of Mozambique to Aberdeen for "Mozambique Day".
The expertise and skills built up over decades in the North Sea are an invaluable resource and the UK Government will ensure they are exported to the forefront of new oil and gas discoveries across the world, two UK Government Ministers have said.
The Scotland Office Minister David Mundell and the Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds welcomed President Guebuza of Mozambique for a three day visit to Aberdeen, the highlight of which is today’s “Mozambique Day” an event featuring a number of key oil and gas stakeholders which focuses on the emerging oil and gas Industry in Mozambique
Following decades of conflict, Mozambique is developing into an increasingly respected and important nation state. With significant newly-discovered natural resources particularly in oil and gas, Mozambique’s GDP is expected to grow nearly 60% over the next six years. With this dramatic expansion comes a significant demand for skills and expertise in a variety of key areas most notably the energy sector.
The visit by President Guebuza follows on from a UK Government supported oil and gas mission to Mozambique last month by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
Scotland Office Minister David Mundell said
With over 900 companies serving the energy sector as whole, Aberdeen is a global hub for the oil and gas industry. The value and contribution this industry makes to the UK economy is very well established but oil and gas is not just about production – as vital as that is – it’s about the vast range of expertise and skills throughout the UK’s supply chain which are an invaluable resource in themselves.
The skills and research coming out of Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK as a whole are second to none and in global demand as today’s conference with President Guebuza reflects. Together with the UK’s diplomatic, consular and trade networks across the world we can ensure the expertise honed from long experience operating in North Sea is exported into new and expanding markets such as Mozambique.
The Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds said:
I was delighted to welcome His Excellency President Guebuza and the Mozambican delegation to Aberdeen this morning. In my visit to Maputo earlier this year I saw the real potential for economic growth in Mozambique so I am delighted that the President has chosen to come to the United Kingdom to promote business partnerships. This is a sign, not only of the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries, but also the excellent reputation that British business enjoys across the globe.