Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, June 7 / Trend, H. Hasanov /
The British Prime Minister's trade envoy to Turkmenistan Charles Hendry, who arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit, has called Turkmenistan a world leader in energy production and said that it demonstrates a very responsible approach to the energy security issues, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper said today.
According to the article, the special envoy attended the third meeting of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council. The event involved representatives of 18 British companies, specializing in various fields - ARUP, BG Group, BP Exploration, Colvir Sortware Solutions, Eagle Scientific Limited, JTA, SCG London Limited, Shell International, Petrofac, Agusta Westland and others.
The Turkmen representatives of ministries and departments, the Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs attended the meeting.
According to the article, Charles Hendry and co-chairman of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council Ronald Nash stressed that the British government attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan.
The trade, transport, construction and industry are among the priorities.
"The high prospects of the oil and gas sector, which is of great interest to British companies, is seeking to take an active part in investment projects in this area were emphasized," the article said.
Petrofac, Dragon Oil, Burren Energy, Gaffney, Cline & Associates and other companies have been already represented on local markets.
Turkmenistan is one of the key players in the gas market in the Caspian region and Central Asia. Presently, China, Iran and Russia use Turkmen natural fuels. Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves. It is looking for new markets in Europe and South Asia.
London also considers Turkmenistan which has the world's largest natural gas reserves, as a key player in the international energy sphere.
Referring to the prospects of Turkmen natural gas to the European market, including Great Britain, the leadership of the Central Asian country said that it fully meets Turkmenistan's plans to diversify its energy exports to the world markets.