And in English:) In an interview with the newspaper "The Daily",...

And in English


In an interview with the newspaper "The Daily", the ambassador of France, Christophe Bigot discussed issues on the management of the Senegalese oil. Interview… At the time when he was foreign minister, Laurent Fabius had theorized the concept of economic diplomacy. In this context, Total would it be interested in the Senegalese oil that is now the subject of controversy for some time? On one hand, it criticizes the French companies to be too present in Senegal and the other side, they are asked to establish a presence. We can not want one thing and its opposite. What is certain is that no acquired or preserve situation. Senegal is in globalization. I am very pleased that many countries had reported that Senegal is a stable, secure, which has a regional influence and has excellent human resources. These countries wanted to invest in Senegal. This is great and this is a sign of success for your country. On the oil sector, it is fair to note that the Cairn and Kosmos companies are not French. Companies that are active in this sector made impressive discoveries that will revolutionize the economy of Senegal. There is the promise of significant changes within major investments. As for Total, which is part of the 5 world's largest oil and gas groups, it is clear that he is interested in what is happening in Senegal. This company has a high quality coaching, much of which is Senegalese. It is already active on the refining and marketing sector. For operation and production, Total examine, I am sure, all opportunities. Is the French government prepared to push in the Senegalese Total oil? Things do not happen like that. Total will be determined according to its own interests. It is also part of Cairn and Kosmos to define which operators with whom they wish to share the results of their exploration to proceed to production. Operators must provide the most competitive solutions and take into account the views of the Senegalese Government on these significant investments. We hear the names of Timis Corporation, Petro-Tim or Kosmos Energy, in the exploration of oil and non-Senegalese Total. Why ? Companies that are currently present have focused on Senegal and were right. I hope others will follow. Oil and gas groups will undoubtedly make investments that are significant to drill wells, have new licenses, new blocks, construct production facilities, liquefaction, provide transportation. Other sector companies must train technicians, building platforms ... This is an economy that must be developed. In Senegal, we must train technicians. If this is not the case, the oil and gas companies will be forced to import. It is important to reflect on offshore installations and on land, but also on the form of taxation, the allocation of these additional resources for consumption or investment in the short or long term. These are important questions for the future of Senegal. That is why the President of the Republic of Senegal has decided to appoint a strategic policy committee and to surround himself with experts. Today, there is a controversy over the management of the oil. In your opinion, how can that Senegal does not live the curse of oil that some countries have known? I think that Senegal is better prepared than others to deal with this risk. First, because the risk has been identified. A rentier economy can produce perverse effects. We must therefore take action upstream and reflect on the use made of that oil. We must surround himself with all the conditions for greater transparency in terms of public accounting and public finance is assured and to ensure that the Senegalese share is as high as possible. It is also important to train staff employed.