Timor, Brunei and Iraq interested in Batam?s oil rigs

At least three countries including Timor Leste. Brunei Darussalam and Iraq are interested in oil rig and other offshore oil and gas drilling equipment produced in Batam, Kompas reported on Monday.

Governor of Riau island province, M. Sani said that the interest was expressed by the three countries? ambassadors during an investment forum held in Batam last week. At least 20 ambassadors took part in the forum which was held by the foreign affairs ministry.

Ambassadors from Timor Leste, Brunei and Iraq said they were interested in oil rigs and pipes produced in Batam. Iraqi ambassador Ismail Shafiq Muhsin said he would bring businessmen from his country to Batam to see the oil drilling equipment including rigs produced in the island.

?Iraq is reviving its oil and gas industry. The oil companies there need drilling equipment such as rigs to support their activities,? he added.

Drilling and other related exploring equipment facilities produced in Batam are less expensive thanks to fiscal incentives provided by the government for their production.

Kris Taenar Wiluan, an executive of one of the rig producers, Citramas Group, said that the company sold its rig and other drilling equipment to Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Australia.(*)