By IANS,
New Delhi,: Uganda has sought Indian assistance in developing its oil and gas sector.
This was conveyed by the Ugandan Vice President Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya, in his meeting with the visiting Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora Thursday.
Deora is on the last stop of his four-nation African journey, during which he has already visited Sudan, Nigeria and Angola.
“He (Bukenya) underlined that India can help in providing simple and inexpensive means to the African nation for accelerating development of different areas along the hydrocarbon value chain,” a press release issued by ministry of petroleum and natural gas here said.
Similarly, Uganda’s Energy and Minerals Minister Hillary Onek said that Africa, and especially Uganda, was looking for Indian assistance in oil and gas sector “as India has necessary technique and resources”.
Deora said that India “offered all possible assistance” in the development of oil and gas sector of Uganda right from upstream to downstream. He told the Ugandans “that India is not merely looking at business but for becoming a partner in progress”.
The state-run oil explorer, ONGC and its overseas arm, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), said that it had expertise to help in further exploration and production as well as undertake community development projects.
OVL managing director R.S. Butola said that the company was “open for farm-in opportunities in Uganda”.