Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ACCRA1296
2009-12-08 12:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Accra
Cable title:
NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING FOR GHANA - GUIDANCE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHAR #1296 3421200 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 081200Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY ACCRA TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8610
UNCLAS ACCRA 001296
SENSITIVE - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON BTIO BBSR GH
SUBJECT: NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING FOR GHANA - GUIDANCE
REQUESTED
REF: ACCRA 1266
UNCLAS ACCRA 001296
SENSITIVE - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON BTIO BBSR GH
SUBJECT: NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING FOR GHANA - GUIDANCE
REQUESTED
REF: ACCRA 1266
1. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARA 6.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: CS Accra was approached by a U.S. company seeking
assistance with potential ExIm financing for downstream gas project
in Ghana. Project has a large U.S. export potential but Post has
concerns about appearance to GOG if ExIM financing is granted. GOG
has been under scrutiny for its treatment of U.S. companies and Post
is concerned about conflicting messages to GOG by supporting
financing.
3. (SBU) Senior Commercial Officer was approached recently by U.S.
company Anadarko (strictly protect) requesting information and
assistance regarding the possibility of ExIm financing for a
downstream natural gas infrastructure project in Ghana. Anadarko
may be meeting with ExIm soon to discuss this project directly with
the Bank.
4. The downstream gas infrastructure project represents large
potential U.S. export opportunity. Anadarko (consistent with other
industry sources) estimates the U.S. content of the project to be in
the range of USD 200-300 million.
5. (SBU) While Post is keen to promote U.S. export opportunities in
Ghana, we are concerned about how support for financing may be
misconstrued by the Ghanaian government and others - at a time when
its treatment of U.S. companies is under scrutiny (REFTEL). Post is
concerned that any rush to financing could be perceived as not
supporting other U.S. companies such as Kosmos Energy.
6. (SBU) Given the complexity of the situation (significant U.S.
export interest at stake and serious issues regarding treatment of
U.S. companies in Ghana),Post is requesting written guidance from
ExIm and Commerce, in consultation with the Departments of State and
Justice, as to how to proceed in an appropriate manner that will
support all USG interests.
TEITELBAUM
SENSITIVE - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON BTIO BBSR GH
SUBJECT: NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING FOR GHANA - GUIDANCE
REQUESTED
REF: ACCRA 1266
1. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARA 6.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: CS Accra was approached by a U.S. company seeking
assistance with potential ExIm financing for downstream gas project
in Ghana. Project has a large U.S. export potential but Post has
concerns about appearance to GOG if ExIM financing is granted. GOG
has been under scrutiny for its treatment of U.S. companies and Post
is concerned about conflicting messages to GOG by supporting
financing.
3. (SBU) Senior Commercial Officer was approached recently by U.S.
company Anadarko (strictly protect) requesting information and
assistance regarding the possibility of ExIm financing for a
downstream natural gas infrastructure project in Ghana. Anadarko
may be meeting with ExIm soon to discuss this project directly with
the Bank.
4. The downstream gas infrastructure project represents large
potential U.S. export opportunity. Anadarko (consistent with other
industry sources) estimates the U.S. content of the project to be in
the range of USD 200-300 million.
5. (SBU) While Post is keen to promote U.S. export opportunities in
Ghana, we are concerned about how support for financing may be
misconstrued by the Ghanaian government and others - at a time when
its treatment of U.S. companies is under scrutiny (REFTEL). Post is
concerned that any rush to financing could be perceived as not
supporting other U.S. companies such as Kosmos Energy.
6. (SBU) Given the complexity of the situation (significant U.S.
export interest at stake and serious issues regarding treatment of
U.S. companies in Ghana),Post is requesting written guidance from
ExIm and Commerce, in consultation with the Departments of State and
Justice, as to how to proceed in an appropriate manner that will
support all USG interests.
TEITELBAUM