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BG Egypt Launches the BG Egypt University Linkages Programme at Cairo University

BG Egypt and Cairo University in collaboration with British Council Egypt, today 6 July 2010 launched the BG Egypt University Linkages Programme at Cairo University. The launch event was held at Cairo University, and was attended by BG Egypt President Arshad Sufi, H.E. Minister of Higher Education Dr. Hany Hilal, President of Cairo University, British Embassy, Deputy Head of Mission Thom Reilly and British Council, Deputy Director Julia Race in addition to members of faculty, students and guests.

The University Linkages Programme at Cairo University represents the unique collaboration between BG Egypt , Cairo University and the British Council. It provides much-needed English language tuition and professional skills to the university's Petroleum Geosciences students. In doing so, the programme addresses a skills-gap in Egypt's geosciences graduates and thus enhances their employability. Ten Egyptian teachers trained by the British Council ensure the programme's sustainability.

The programme targets 350 students between 2009 and 2012, as well as additional students in subsequent phases of the project. The programme is funded by BG Egypt , and resides within Cairo University's Petroleum Geosciences department at the BG Egypt Training Centre. It is implemented by the British Council, which draws upon its vast experience in training youths through its Skills for Employability Programme. The British Council Egypt annually trains an average of 22 000 students to international benchmark levels.

In funding the BG Egypt Programme at Cairo University, which brings together the private sector, the public sector, and a UK International Organization, BG Egypt is responding to an energy sector need to empower the university's Petroleum Geosciences students by providing them with the required skills to prepare them for a constantly developing job market. By doing so, it provides both local and international oil companies with a rich pool of skilled graduates able to compete in today's increasingly challenging environment.

Speaking at the launch event, BG Egypt President Arshad Sufi said: "I am happy to witness the launch of this outstanding programme. Social investment in education is one of our top priorities. BG Egypt believes that by investing in education, we are empowering youths and enriching the local job market. This is all part of our localisation strategy, which aims to ensure that the business can be resourced from the local market."

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About BG Egypt
BG Egypt , a business of BG Group, is one of the principal British investors in Egypt. In 2009 the company celebrated 20 years working in the country. It is a leading player in the development of the local natural gas industry with investments spanning the gas chain from exploration through development and production to downstream projects in LNG.

About BG Group
BG Group plc (LSE: BG.L) is a world leader in natural gas, with a strategy focused on connecting competitively priced resources to specific, high-value markets. Active in more than 25 countries on five continents, BG Group has a broad portfolio of exploration and production, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), transmission and distribution and power generation business interests. It combines a deep understanding of gas markets with a proven track record in finding and commercializing reserves. For further information visit: www.bg-group.com

About Cairo University
Founded in 1908, Cairo University is a comprehensive institution of higher learning located in Giza, Egypt committed to preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing workplace. Through interactive learning and new information technologies Cairo University graduates are poised to enter the workforce with skills needed to succeed in today's global marketplace.

About the British Council
The British Council is the UK's international cultural relations body. Last year the British Council engaged face to face with 13.2 million people and reached 221 million. The British Council is a non-political organisation, working in over 100 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through programmes which support intercultural dialogue, the UK's creative and knowledge economies and help to tackle climate change.

For more information visit www.britishcouncil.org.eg

For more information, please contact:
Manal el-Jesri
Lead Communications Advisor
Policy & Corporate Affairs
BG Egypt
Tel: +2022522 0318
Mobile: +2018 464 6699
Email: Manal.Eljesri@bg-group.com

© Press Release 2010