Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has opened its first international headquarters in Houston.
The office is planning to lead a $60bn procurement drive to upgrade Libya’s oil and gas sector and increase production capacity to 2.1m barrels per day by 2023.
NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla said: “This is NOC’s first international office – a major milestone in our journey as an NOC responsible for Africa’s largest proven oil reserves.
"Our presence in Houston signals the important role that US companies and expertise can play in the development of our oil and gas sector.”
He added: "Houston will serve as a vital procurement and engineering hub for NOC to tap into the best expertise and technology in the market. We intend to expand our capability and use of cutting-edge R&D to ensure Houston becomes the focal point for the development of our oil sector."
But Sanalla said its strategy and plans could only proceed in the event of a full ceasefire in Libya's ongoing civil conflict.
