07 May 2013
On 2-3 May Baltic Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Association met to discuss topical questions of legislation. In this discussion took part several seasoned specialists, including persons having an international experience. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss and analyse different aspects of bill On Subsoil which at present is item of the agenda. Opinion of invited specialists gave a rich contribution supplementing theoretical and practical competence of the organization, and further will allow more effectively participate in development of regulatory acts.
Members of association met Astrids Freimanis and Anatoly Houbldikov, who shared their experience. A. Freimanis for a long time has been chief geologist in oil exploration and production and took part in development of regulatory acts regarding oil resources. Simultaneously A. Freimanis acted as Latvia University scientist, participating in training of many of new specialists. A. Houbldikov is a geologist who has a wide experience in hydrocarbon prospecting and production in Baltic region. Previously he held a position of Ex-Deputy Director General of Kaliningradneftegazprom Production Association.
The Association previously attracted attention to the fact that since restoration of independence the Constitution established that all natural resources in the Republic of Latvia is the property of landowners; however, legal regulation of hydrocarbon production is not arranged until now, and for a long time are being created hindrances to this innovative branch of national economy with high economic development potential.
The Association is founded in order to promote hydrocarbon exploration and production in Latvia, to protect and represent interests and legal rights of its Members in their relationship with state and municipal authorities, to participate in the development, harmonization and further improvement of laws and regulatory acts; to realize, protect and popularize interests of members of the Association connected to hydrocarbon exploration and production in Latvia, to provide accessibility of information about legislative and regulatory changes and other events, relating to hydrocarbon exploration and production, to promote Members personnel advanced training, as well as to further cooperation with related organizations either in Latvia and in other countries.
Hydrocarbons which at present are widely known as the petroleum raw material were found in Latvia already in sixties of the last century, but industrial production of hydrocarbon has not been started, because in Soviet times these hydrocarbon reserves has been considered as small compared to, for example, Siberian oil fields. Oil production technology developed rapidly, and now even the small reserve development is possible.
LAT ENG