Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MUSCAT804
2007-08-22 12:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:
DOW STILL INTERESTED IN POLYETHYLENE PROJECT
how-toVZCZCXYZ0009 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHMS #0804 2341218 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 221218Z AUG 07 FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8645 INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000804
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CBA
COMMERCE FOR COBERG
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EINV ECON PREL MU
SUBJECT: DOW STILL INTERESTED IN POLYETHYLENE PROJECT
REF: A. MUSCAT 770
B. MUSCAT 411
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000804
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CBA
COMMERCE FOR COBERG
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EINV ECON PREL MU
SUBJECT: DOW STILL INTERESTED IN POLYETHYLENE PROJECT
REF: A. MUSCAT 770
B. MUSCAT 411
1. (SBU) On August 22, Louis Vega, Dow Chemical's Director
of Public Affairs for India, the Middle East, and North
Africa, confirmed with Econoff that the company remained
interested in working with the Omani government on
constructing a polyethylene plant in the Port of Sohar
industrial complex. Vega noted that Dow is in discussions
with the Omanis on finalizing cost estimates, which have been
reported to have risen from $2 billion to close to $4
billion. He stated that the project remains in the
engineering design phase, and that board members of the Oman
Petrochemicals Industries Company (OPIC) are working to reach
closure on the "definitive project agreements."
2. (SBU) Comment. The information provided by Vega confirms
an earlier conversation with OPIC Project Manager Tony Smith
(reftel B) and contradicts a July Chemical Week article
(reftel A) that reported both Dow and the Omani government
had agreed to postpone the project "indefinitely." Dow's
continued interest in the project provides some welcome news
to a port that is depending on the cornerstone project for
foreign investment, employment, and volume for its container
terminal.
GRAPPO
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CBA
COMMERCE FOR COBERG
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EINV ECON PREL MU
SUBJECT: DOW STILL INTERESTED IN POLYETHYLENE PROJECT
REF: A. MUSCAT 770
B. MUSCAT 411
1. (SBU) On August 22, Louis Vega, Dow Chemical's Director
of Public Affairs for India, the Middle East, and North
Africa, confirmed with Econoff that the company remained
interested in working with the Omani government on
constructing a polyethylene plant in the Port of Sohar
industrial complex. Vega noted that Dow is in discussions
with the Omanis on finalizing cost estimates, which have been
reported to have risen from $2 billion to close to $4
billion. He stated that the project remains in the
engineering design phase, and that board members of the Oman
Petrochemicals Industries Company (OPIC) are working to reach
closure on the "definitive project agreements."
2. (SBU) Comment. The information provided by Vega confirms
an earlier conversation with OPIC Project Manager Tony Smith
(reftel B) and contradicts a July Chemical Week article
(reftel A) that reported both Dow and the Omani government
had agreed to postpone the project "indefinitely." Dow's
continued interest in the project provides some welcome news
to a port that is depending on the cornerstone project for
foreign investment, employment, and volume for its container
terminal.
GRAPPO