India offers assistance for development of Uganda's oil, gas sector

Kampala (Uganda), Jan 28(ANI): Visiting Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora on Thursday said that the Government will offer all possible assistance in the development of oil and gas sector of Uganda right from upstream to downstream.

Deora is currently on visit to four African countries namely Sudan, Nigeria, Angola and Uganda for creating a mutually beneficial investment climate for the oil and gas companies of India and the African countries.

He is being accompanied by a high level delegation comprising CEOs of ONGC, IOC, GAIL, OIL and OVL.

Speaking at a meeting with Vice President of Uganda Dr. Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya in Kampala, Deora said: "India is not merely looking at business, but for becoming a partner in progress."

He also referred to the relations between the two countries and was hopeful for deepening the same particularly in the oil and gas sector. ice President Bukenya has sought Indian assistance for faster development of their oil and gas sector.

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.

The Vice President said that India should also extend its assistance in the downstream petroleum sector, and pointed out that the two countries have a lot of similarities as they are striving to improve the lives of their respective citizens.

Meanwhile, Uganda's Energy and Minerals Minister Hillary Onek conveyed that Africa in general and Uganda in particular are looking for Indian assistance especially in the oil and gas sector as India has necessary technique and resources. (ANI)