SOCAR Strengthens Ties with BP For Training Activities

Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and UK-based BP signed two documents on Monday, strengthening their cooperation in the training and development of its work force specialising in the oil and gas industry. 

‘Under the contract for cooperation in the area of training of national workforce at SOCAR’s Gobustan Regional Training Centre, BP commits to support the vocational and technical discipline training of 100 representatives of the local communities residing in the neighbourhood of the Sangachal Terminal - Sangachal, Umid, Azimkend and Gobustan settlements. BP and its co-venturers will cover the tuition and other expenses related to the one-year training of the selected community members,’ reads a note released on Monday.

Though the deal might seem of secondary importance, it signals BP’s commitment to the Shah Deniz field, the largest natural gas field in Azerbaijan. The company led by Bob Dudley has a 28% share and operates the field. SOCAR is the third shareholder with 16.7% interest.

“The documents that were signed today allow BP and SOCAR to further enhance existing cooperation in the nationalization of staff specializing in the oil and gas related disciplines that are required for BP’s activities in Azerbaijan,” Khalik Mammadov, Vice President of SOCAR, commented. 

The parts also signed a second document, which is a Memorandum of Understanding on the agreed recruitment and deployment process for BP’s activities in the Caucasian country. 

Azerbaijan is trying to bet on co-operation with Western companies and institutions to trigger more efficient process. In July, it signed deals with Polish entities.