Egypt tops Fugro Robertson's 2008 New Ventures Survey

Egypt leads the rankings in this year's International New Ventures Survey, followed by Libya and the UK in equal 2nd. Tunisia replaces Australia in 4th, the latter falling to 13th. A notable newcomer to the Top 20 is India, up 12 places to 16th.

Fugro Robertson Limited's International New Ventures Survey polls oil companies involved in E&P ventures, asking them to rate, in a confidential questionnaire, their level of interest in new ventures in 158 countries outside North America, as well as in 4 frontier regions of USA and Canada. Country scores are analysed to determine the factors that influence movements up or down the rankings.

With 6 countries in the Top 10, Africa is the most popular region once again, with West Africa being well represented by Gabon (joint 6th) and Angola (joint 10th).

Despite Australia dropping well out of the top 5 for the first time in several years, SE Asia/Australasia is the 2nd most popular region, with Indonesia up 1 to 5th, Vietnam in equal 6th, Malaysia at joint 10th, and Thailand climbing 43 places to joint 14th.

The Middle East makes a return to the top flight after several years' absence, with Iraq at 10th and Oman in joint 14th position.

Norway, usually a strong performer, drops from 12th to joint 18th with Equatorial Guinea and Peru.

The Top 20 countries for 2008, with 2007 rankings in brackets, are as follows:

For more information contact: Mark Paton