Idemitsu has been promoting exchanges and dialogues with oil-producing countries in the Middle East and other regions through its representative offices, in order to build strong relationships of trust. In recent years, we have further strengthened our relationships of trust through capital participation in the joint venture businesses.

In addition, we cooperate with these countries on human resource development and technical support, by dispatching experts under the aegis of the JCCP (Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum) and by accepting senior officials and technical trainees in Japan. Having decided to refrain from accepting overseas trainees in FY2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we hosted remote training sessions instead. These sessions were attended by trainees from such oil-producing countries as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Vietnam.

We also participate in joint infrastructure development projects in the oil-producing countries (FY2020) implemented by the JCCP.

Through these activities, we are promoting our cooperation with national oil companies in crude oil procurement in order to select, procure and transport the crude oil with flexibility and thus maximize the performance of our refineries even amid volatile market trends.

With the support of the Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum (JCCP), Idemitsu Kosan’s Technology & Engineering Center received interns from the College of Engineering of Sultan Qaboos University; one of the top engineering colleges in Oman, who wished to find employment in the state-run oil company in the future. The interns spent six weeks in Idemitsu from July 1, 2019 and were provided training with the cooperation of related departments. The training program consisted of lectures on an overview of Idemitsu Kosan, the basics of chemical engineering, and distillation as well as model simulations. It also included practical learning at the Chiba Complex, Advanced Technology Research Laboratories, Keiyo Sea Berth, and other sites, and through this program, the interns obtained a deeper understanding of oil refining and petrochemistry in general. In addition, over the weekend, they attended the Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festa in yukata (informal cotton kimono) and took a walk in Kamakura to enjoy Japanese culture and varied natural beauty. They had good time interacting with many Idemitsu employees. In the future, Idemitsu Kosan will continue to consider cherish human connection and strengthen its relationships with oil-producing countries further.