CLAPHAM JUNCTION, U.K. -- On 28th October, an international delegation of NOCs, Governments and key representatives from the globalOil & Gas community will gather in London to debatethe key issues and solutions in implementing Local Content Strategies. Held under the Chatham HouseRule, the 2013 NOCs & Government Summit will feature the much anticipated Great Local Content Debate.

Led by Simbi Wabote, Contracting and ProcurementGlobal Local Content Manager, Shell, the GreatDebate will provide the international audience with theopportunity to partake in a lively interactive discussionand will allow feedback on discussions instantly viaanonymous voting, to uncover the real consensus onthe issues being discussed.

Questions to be debated include; what are the main drivers of creating in-country value? Does Local Content add or detract value? Has there been a shift in world-wide thinking? What is the reality of LocalContent development globally?

Local Content plays a fundamental role in the Oil & Gas industry as a means of providing training to narrow the skills gap. It also correctly matches locals’ expertise with industry requirements to ensure that the sector is developed and in-country value is maximised.

Featuring newly confirmed speakers Natalie Stirling-Sanders, Upstream National Content Manager,ExxonMobil and Majid Al Toky, Chairman, OPAL Oman the Summit programme will seek to identify bestpractices in developing sustainable job creation andlocal economic growth alongside the developmentof a nascent oil and gas market in resource holdingcountries.

Taking place on 28-30 October 2013 at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, London, the Summit provides a platform for an interactive format, offering the ideal environment for facilitating constructive, frank discussions between key stakeholders to develop crucial strategies required to drive the industry forward.