Speaking at a meeting with the visiting Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora at Kampala, Uganda today, the Vice President also said that India should also extend its assistance in the downstream petroleum sector. He pointed out that the two countries have a lot of similarities as they are striving to improve the lives of their respective citizens. The Vice president further added that the Indian rural industries have made impressive progress.

Shri Murli Deora offered all possible assistance in the development of oil and gas sector of Uganda right from upstream to downstream. He stated that his delegation has not come just for business 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. The Minister for Energy & Minerals, Uganda Mr. 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.

CMD ONGC Shri R.S. Sharma elaborated the wide presence of the company in several countries. He offered that the company is interested in becoming a partner in progress of Uganda referring to the community development projects undertaken by the company along with the development of oil and gas fields/assets. MD OVL stated that the company has technique to undertake exploration production activities in the country and bring in latest technology for faster development. He also said that the company is open for farm-in opportunities in Uganda. Chairman IOC Shri Sarthak Behuria also offered his company's expertise in downstream projects, R&D, training and consultancy services. CMD OIL also conveyed that his company is keen to participate in the E&P activities through consortium mode etc.

Shri Deora visited 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 has been accompanied by a high level delegation comprising CEOs of ONGC, IOC, GAIL, OIL and OVL.