AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

Industry & Resources Minister Eric Cline today announced there will be greater collaboration in petroleum technology and research between Saskatchewan and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

CNPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) and the University of Regina on June 17th in Regina, agreeing to explore the potential for future research in areas of mutual interest along with exchanges of appropriate technology. There is also a commitment to explore increased information exchange in petroleum research.

The Government of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Industry & Resources, helped co-ordinate the agreement and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CNPC to promote greater co-operation in petroleum-related technology and research. Cline said the agreements underline the fact that Saskatchewan's research capability is world class.

"China has one of the largest oil industries in the world, and one of the fastest-growing economies," Cline said. "We are extremely pleased a province of one million people has been able to develop research facilities and expertise that merits attention from a nation of over one billion people."

PRTC Executive Director Mike Monea said the Centre is very much looking forward to sharing technological capabilities with CNPC. "Over the past two days we have been able to showcase our progress in areas such as heavy oil production and control of greenhouse gas emissions, and we have done so to officials who oversee the majority of oil produced in China. We are very much looking forward to exploring the potential today's agreement presents."

University of Regina Vice President (Research & International) Allan Cahoon said the agreement represents a golden opportunity for research personnel to expand collaboration in petroleum-related research. "I very much hope today's agreement will give research personnel from both Saskatchewan and China a chance to develop a better understanding of our respective approaches to technology, and come up with new approaches and ideas for developing a key resource in a responsible, sustainable way."

The China National Petroleum Corporation oversees the majority of oil production in China, and provides policy direction for development of China's oil industry. The eight-member delegation was headed by Mr. Zheng Hu, Vice President of CNPC.

PTRC was established in 1998 by Saskatchewan Industry & Resources, Natural Resources Canada, the Saskatchewan Research Council, and the University of Regina. Located in Regina Research Park, adjacent to the University campus, PTRC's primary objective is exploring means for enhancing the production and recovery of petroleum resources through application of innovative technologies and engineering techniques.

The University of Regina supports petroleum research through PTRC as well as through cross-disciplinary research and teaching in science and engineering, including its highly successful petroleum systems engineering program.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry & Resources Regina Phone: (306)787-1691	Jim Duggleby University of Regina Regina Phone: (306)585-5439
Mike Monea Petroleum Technology Research Centre Regina Phone: (306)787-8290