Launching the Tanzania Oil and Gas
Congress today, September 11, she said attracting investment in the
country would be accompanied by giving priority to Tanzanians in
accordance with the country's local content policy and similar guiding
instruments.
"I understand Oil and Gas exploration and
production is not an easy task as some of the activities demand high
technology and well trained human capital," she said adding:
"In
many developed countries including Tanzania, required technologies do
not exist making it necessary for technologically advanced foreign
companies to cooperate with local companies in the sector."
However,
she warned local companies to ensure they identify and engage right
partners in order to immediately start transferring technology in order
to improve competitiveness.
She expressed her optimism
that the two day congress would expedite the process of regional
partnerships and position Tanzania as the focal oil and gas destination
in the region.
Ms Hassan said she expected the congress
to foster partnerships that will drive the oil and gas industry forward
to aid development of a strong Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
market in the country.
"The meeting should also provide
investment platform to establishment of sustainable networks across the
Tanzanian oil and gas industry," she said.
The first
ever Tanzania Oil and Gas congress convening here gathers stakeholders
from Uganda, Mozambique, Ghana, Japan, Canada, China, UK and Brazil.
