Prime minister met BG Group Pls chairman

Mr. Daniyal Akhmetov, Kazakhstani prime minister received today Mr. Robert Wilson, chairman of BG Group Pls (British Gas), KZ-today was informed by the press service of the head of the government. The parities discussed the issues concerning the Caspian Sea oil fields development.

The interlocutors discussed the perspective directions of mutually beneficial cooperation and attained understanding upon concerned issues. Daniyal Akhmetov noted that Kazakhstan is interested in further cooperation with Group Pls. especially in Karachaganak project development, and hopes that the process will boost soon.

Mr. Wilson in his turn reported that BG Kazakhstan is going to set up a regional office in Astana.

Earlier it was reported, that Karachaganak project is being implemented within the framework of Final Production Sharing Agreement which has been signed between a group of companies such as BG -32.5%, Agip - 32.5%, ChevronTexaco - 20% and Lukoil - 15% and the Kazakhstani government on 18 November, 1997 for a period of 40 years. The Agreement came into effect from 27 January, 1998.

Under the Agreement, BG Group Pls. and Agip are the operators of the Karachaganak project.

Apart from Karachaganak project, BG Group Pls. is also participating in Kashagan project (16.67%). However, the company announced about its intention to sell its share in 2003.

Translated by Nataliya Shirinskikh