OREANDA-NEWS. March 09, 2012. OGX, MPX and Petra, in partnership with the Government of the State of Maranhao, through the State Department for Development, Industry and Trade (Sedinc), hold on March 8th the 2nd Workshop for the Integrated Territorial Development Plan (“PDTI”). The aim of the event is to discuss the proposals and priority actions of the “Plan to Transform” program, created to promote the economic and social development of the municipalities in and around the Parnaiba Basin.

The meeting will be attended by representatives of various State Departments, of the private sector in the State of Maranhao, and also businesses which are partners in the project. Participants will have access to a diagnostic study of the region, based on research, data collected and meetings involving the town halls, private initiative and the local communities. Also, they will have the opportunity to discuss together which priority actions should be implemented in the short and medium term in the region.

Investments for production of natural gas and electric power generation in the area of the Parnaiba Basin have already reached almost BRL 4 billion, which will generate thousands of jobs as well as business opportunities for trade and service industries in the region. "This is how the idea of drawing up a plan of action came about, so that local communities may participate in the development process of the region and benefit from the exploration of natural gas. We must take advantage of the opportunities from these business ventures in our State" explained Mauricio Macedo, State Secretary for Development, Industry and Commerce.

Find out more about “Plan to Transform”

The Integrated Territorial Development Plan started up almost a year ago and gave rise to the “Plan to Transform” Program, which was prepared in conjunction with State and Municipal governments, the private sector and society at large. At first, the program is covering 10 municipalities, in the form of a pilot project. These are: Bacabal, Capinzal do Norte, Coroata, Dom Pedro, Joselandia, Lima Campos, Pedreiras, Peritoro, Presidente Dutra and Santo Antonio dos Lopes.

Based on meetings held during this period, almost 200 projects and/or actions were identified. As a result, a formal document will be delivered to the State Government and to each municipality, demonstrating awareness of local conditions and the proposed actions in such areas as the economy, society, environment, infrastructure and shared management.

Partner Companies

OGX and MPX, in conjunction with partner Petra, are present in the Parnaiba Basin region through natural gas production and thermo-electric power generation projects that currently are at the deployment phase. In line with the EBX Group's sustainability policy, these companies believe that it is essential to contribute to a better future for the localities where they are operating, with a sustainable development program that respects the environment and local culture. For this reason, in addition to investing financially in “Plan to Transform”, these companies, with major ventures due to occur in the region in the future, are also participating in the preparation of the plan, through planned activities (forums, and focus groups), together with other representatives of society, the private sector and public authorities.