UK WAAG presentation 15 Mar 2006

Slide1: 

UK West Africa Action Group UK WAAG Presented by Suzanne Bird

West Africa Action Group: 

West Africa Action Group UK WAAG is a not for profit group formed in 1997. To heighten awareness of the tremendous opportunities in the oil and gas sector in West Africa To support and assist UK based companies identify commercial opportunities in this region Distant and Challenging markets needed support services “on the ground”. BP, SDI and UKTI support UK WAAG to develop its membership and the range of services on offer.

West Africa Action Group: 

West Africa Action Group West Africa offers some of the best oil & gas and related opportunities in the world. …’during the 2006-2010 period Africa is expected to be the leader in the deepwater development, accounting for 40% of global deepwater spending…’ Offshore Magazine, February 2006 Nigeria produces the most oil in Sub-Sahara Africa and will be amongst the top 10 oil producers in the world

West Africa Action GroupIssues associated with West Africa: 

West Africa Action Group Issues associated with West Africa A challenging region to do business Concern with security, corruption and culture High market entry costs Expectation of local content and indigenous labour Government legislation Payment, taxes, invoicing and customs can be complex West Africa offers great potential, but serious hurdles

West Africa Action Group: 

West Africa Action Group Why form a Group? Strength in numbers in such challenging markets Opportunity to share market intelligence Networking events organised between members Support from BP, UKTI, SDI, British Embassies & High Commissions Access to travel and accommodation support in Angola and Nigeria through the initiatives

West Africa Action GroupBenefits of a group approach : 

West Africa Action Group Benefits of a group approach WAAG takes the sting out of many of the in-country problems Assistance given with visas, travel documentation, security briefings, emergency support services, contact database, exporting queries Local support from Legal partners arranged by WAAG Monthly WAAG newsletter alerts members to any political /economic/legal changes in country. Links to British High Commissions and Embassies Members given preference on missions and events with limited numbers.

West Africa Action GroupBenefits of a group approach : 

West Africa Action Group Benefits of a group approach Systems already in place for easy in, easy out visits Contacts database for Angola/Nigeria available Intra-membership networking encouraged Strong presence at West Africa Oil and Gas Shows Bi-monthly information packs Networking meetings to discuss West African issues amongst members Access to visiting Commercial Officers Reith Still – West African Advisor for SDI

West Africa Action GroupSupport Facilitiesin Luanda, Lagos & Port Harcourt: 

West Africa Action Group Support Facilities in Luanda, Lagos & Port Harcourt Very cost effective method of making regular visits Fully supported by British High Commission/Embassy Meet and greet service, transport to hotels Visa assistance, letter of invitation supplied to members All accommodation secure and vetted by WAAG Nigerian debit card arranged BDHC/Embassy made aware of “in country” presence Access to City Partners/Miranda Law firm at preferential rates

Slide9: 

West Africa Action Group As a spin off benefit of WAAG membership Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce offers all members advice on :- Export Certification and Documentation International Trade Services Event Management, exhibitions, trade missions AGCC recognised as the lead Chamber on the oil & gas sector by British Chambers of Commerce

WAAG Contacts:: 

WAAG Contacts: Reith Still International Business Director (t) 01224 343 900 reith.still@agcc.co.uk Suzanne Bird International Business Executive (t) 01224 343 921 suzanne.bird@agcc.co.uk