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BP Azerbaijan Launches Major Enterprise Development and Training Programme Starts for Local Suppliers

Oil&Gas Materials 25 June 2007 12:44 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend / BP and its co-venturers in the oil and gas projects in Azerb aijan today launched the Enterprise Development and Tr aining Programme (EDTP) - a new three-year multi-million initiative in support of local business development. The programme is part of BP's efforts to increase the local content of their contracts in Azerb aijan and thereby contribute to the healthy and transparent development of local economy.

"The EDTP aims to contribute to the broadening of Azerb aijan's economic base and to enhance the capacity of local firms to compete in domestic markets and the wider Caspian and Black Sea regions, says Bill Schrader, President of BP Azerb aijan. "We believe the EDTP is an excellent opportunity for enterprises to reach international standards and compete for supply contracts in the oil and gas industry."

The EDTP process will include identification of potential local suppliers, introductory workshops for local companies, gap analysis for potential suppliers and, where appropriate, the creation and implementation of a t ailored development plan.

It is designed to complement the $15million supply finance facility, which BP and its co-venturers recently launched with the IFC and MicroFinance Bank of Azerbaijan.

"The programme should help local firms to assess their current competitive capabilities and standards and determine how they need to develop," says Samir Taghiyev, Enterprise Centre Manager. "It should also help local companies to evaluate the financial commitment required to reach these standards."

BP on behalf of its co-venturers has selected ACDI/VOCA as EDTP implementing partner based on a competitive tender process.

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