ID :
156709
Tue, 01/11/2011 - 08:44
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/156709
The shortlink copeid
Japan's Ohata calls on Iraq to resume talks over Nasiriyah oil field+
ABU DHABI, Jan. 10 Kyodo - Japanese trade minister Akihiro Ohata made an unannounced visit to Baghdad Monday and called on the Iraqi government to resume negotiations with a group of Japanese firms over the development of the Nasiriyah oil field in southern Iraq, Japanese officials said.
A joint statement was also issued after Ohata met with senior Iraqi officials,
in which the two countries agreed to reinforce cooperation especially in the
energy sector, such as oil development.
It is the first visit to Iraq by a Japanese Cabinet minister since the
Democratic Party of Japan took power in September 2009. The visit also comes
after the new Iraqi government was established in late December.
Iraq is known as the world's major holder of proven oil reserves, but years of
war have hampered the development of its oil fields and oil production.
As for the Nasiriyah oil field, a Japanese consortium, including Nippon Oil
Corp., now JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp., reached an accord in principle with
the Iraqi government in August 2009 for oil development rights.
But negotiations have effectively been suspended, partly because of the
national parliamentary election in March 2010.
Meanwhile, another consortium formed by Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., known
as JAPEX, and Malaysia's state-run Petronas Carigali has won a contract to
develop the Gharaf oil field, also in southern Iraq.
While Iraq has been open to foreign investment in oil field development and
other projects to rebuild the country, Japanese companies appear to be cautious
about participating in reconstruction activities due to security and other
concerns.
Ohata's visit is apparently aimed at encouraging Japanese companies to actively
engage in business in Iraq.
While the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry had said Ohata would
make a six-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the initially
announced itinerary did not include a visit to Iraq. Ohata left Japan on
Friday.
The trip to the Middle East is aimed at promoting Japan's infrastructure
technology, such as that related to nuclear power plants, and seeking stable
oil supplies.
Japan relied on the Middle East for around 90 percent of its crude oil imports
in fiscal 2008, with Saudi Arabia the biggest supplier followed by the United
Arab Emirates, according to the government's fiscal 2009 annual energy report.
==Kyodo
A joint statement was also issued after Ohata met with senior Iraqi officials,
in which the two countries agreed to reinforce cooperation especially in the
energy sector, such as oil development.
It is the first visit to Iraq by a Japanese Cabinet minister since the
Democratic Party of Japan took power in September 2009. The visit also comes
after the new Iraqi government was established in late December.
Iraq is known as the world's major holder of proven oil reserves, but years of
war have hampered the development of its oil fields and oil production.
As for the Nasiriyah oil field, a Japanese consortium, including Nippon Oil
Corp., now JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp., reached an accord in principle with
the Iraqi government in August 2009 for oil development rights.
But negotiations have effectively been suspended, partly because of the
national parliamentary election in March 2010.
Meanwhile, another consortium formed by Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., known
as JAPEX, and Malaysia's state-run Petronas Carigali has won a contract to
develop the Gharaf oil field, also in southern Iraq.
While Iraq has been open to foreign investment in oil field development and
other projects to rebuild the country, Japanese companies appear to be cautious
about participating in reconstruction activities due to security and other
concerns.
Ohata's visit is apparently aimed at encouraging Japanese companies to actively
engage in business in Iraq.
While the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry had said Ohata would
make a six-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the initially
announced itinerary did not include a visit to Iraq. Ohata left Japan on
Friday.
The trip to the Middle East is aimed at promoting Japan's infrastructure
technology, such as that related to nuclear power plants, and seeking stable
oil supplies.
Japan relied on the Middle East for around 90 percent of its crude oil imports
in fiscal 2008, with Saudi Arabia the biggest supplier followed by the United
Arab Emirates, according to the government's fiscal 2009 annual energy report.
==Kyodo
