Rosneft has opened an office of the International center for research and development in Qatar, which will become a full-scale representative office of the Company, performing along with scientific and technical activities also functions to promote various business areas of the Company in the region.
The agreement to open the center was signed during the visit of the Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Igor Sechin to Doha. International Research and Development Center will work at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF).
QSTP is one of the world’s leading science incubators providing a unique economic environment for enterprises engaged in the development and implementation of new technologies, including those in the energy sector.
In light of Rosneft’s strategic objectives related to petroleum and gas chemistry technologies development, the Rosneft R&D Center will develop innovative solutions for the production of engineering plastics and gas processing, as well as the creation of new catalysts, polymers and oils. Studies in the field of integrated geological and engineering software, and 3D designing and modeling in refining and petrochemistry will be key focus areas. Cooperation will also be carried out in the field of shipbuilding, including the possibility of a joint project for the construction of ships and the creation of equipment at the Zvezda shipyard.
One of the areas of cooperation between Rosneft and the QF will be the joint financing of high-priority Russian and international research projects including the capability of venture funding. In addition, the partners will collaborate in the field of oil and gas education with the aim of integrating the two scientific and educational schools – Russian and international. As part of cooperation, the parties will promote the development of modern innovative technologies, as well as scientific and technological exchange between the two countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Igor Sechin, Rosneft CEO, said: ‘Today Qatar is not only an important player in the Arabian Gulf market, but also one of the leaders in the global oil and gas industry. The development of modern technologies in the fuel and energy sector has become a key driver in the socioeconomic successes of the country. Interaction in scientific and technical research is one of the goals of our cooperation. Qatar has created a unique research center in which leading world companies and educational institutions operate, which creates grounds for a real breakthrough in the oil and gas science. As the President of the Russian Federation said in his Address to the Federal Assembly, ‘the Russian research infrastructure will be one of the most powerful and effective in the world.’ In this regard, the Qatar Science and Technology Park will be an ideal platform for joint research work in projects that envisage the implementation of advanced and innovative developments of Rosneft’.
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Foundation, said: “We are delighted to sign this important agreement with Rosneft, and look forward to welcoming and working with researchers from the company to further develop areas of shared interest within the energy sector. At QF, we believe research and development are among the most important elements of a competitive and diverse economy, and are therefore a key priority for empowering and activating innovation in Qatar, as well as with our partners worldwide.
