Energy Ministry, UNDP sign MoU

Agreement to develop the capacities of local
human resources

The Ministry of Energy and Water signed a Memorandum of Understanding, on January 15, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The MoU aims at encouraging international oil companies to hold sustainable social responsibility development programs.

“Oil companies should not only invest in the country, but also adopt social development programs that continuously benefit the community,” said Minister Gebran Bassil.

UNDP Resident Representative Robert Watkins considered the MoU as one of the most important agreements signed with the local public sector, especially since it promotes social responsibility among private firms.

Nasser Hteit, Head of the Petroleum Administration, said: “This MoU is expected to develop the capacities of human resources in running the sector with transparency of the highest standards.”

The ministry also announced that it signed a contract with Electricité de France (EDF) to supervise ongoing local projects in electricity. The EDF had already handed the ministry a copy of the study it conducted about the sector’s long term future. It includes means to invest in transportation and production as well as prime locations for production sites.