Cooperation within the petroleum sector is undertaken within the framework of the Norwegian Oil for Development (OfD) initiative (www.norad.no/ofd). OfD aims at enabling petroleum producing countries to utilize revenues from their oil and gas resources to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of their populations in a manner which is environmentally benign. The programme therefore has a threefold focus on resource management, revenue management and environmental management. We believe that a competent public sector is crucial in ensuring good governance of the petroleum sector, and much of our focus is therefore on capacity building towards such public sector institutions. However, in our opinion this is not enough. A strong civil society and vibrant media are also vital in order to increase transparency and the pressure on governments to act in the interest of their own people. We support these efforts directly and indirectly.The Government of Norway has provided financial and technical support to the petroleum sector in Mozambique for approximately 30 years. The financial support for the period 1981-2005 amounted to approximately NOK 202 million. Reviews carried out in 1999 and 2005 are in general very positive. A 2006 evaluation of the Norwegian petroleum–related assistance to Mozambique concluded that it has been highly successful and useful.
OfD Cooperating institutions in norway:
Norwegian Petroleum Directorate: www.npd.no
Petrad: www.petrad.no
Petroleum Safety Authority Norway: www.ptil.no
Norwegian Pollution Control Authority: www.sft.no
Institute of Marine Research: www.imr.no
For further information please contact:
Øystein Botillen
First Secretary
Tel: +258 21 48 01 00
E-mail: oybo@mfa.no