A major factor in Oxy’s success is our global, multicultural workforce. We have a longstanding commitment to hire local citizens of the countries where we operate, and to train them in relevant disciplines. We believe this contributes to a number of beneficial outcomes, including enhanced operating efficiency and expanded technical and management expertise that furthers sustainability in emerging economies.

Of the international oil companies operating in the Middle East, Oxy continues to be among those hiring the highest percentage of national workers. In doing so, Oxy expands on government programs such as “Omanization” and “Qatarization” that encourage job creation for nationals in their respective countries.

For example, 77 percent of Oxy Oman’s total employees in 2010 were Omani nationals. Seventy percent of Oxy employees at the Mukhaizna Field and over 94 percent at the Safah Field were Omani nationals. In administrative and office positions — including the finance, accounting and legal departments — 78 percent of our employees were Omani.

Oxy Qatar maintains its strong commitment to placing Qatari citizens in the full range of available positions, from entry level to executive management. In December 2010, 23 percent of Oxy Qatar’s employees were national citizens, with some departments, such as HES and those responsible for drilling and further asset development, at 50 percent or higher.

Considered one of the top companies in Qatar for its efforts to hire and retain national employees, Oxy Qatar has initiated several programs to support the development of its Qatari personnel. The Qatarization Committee oversees the training and transition of national hires, monitors their progress and recommends new initiatives to increase national hiring, while the Qatari Team serves as an advisory body and discussion forum for national employees at Oxy Qatar.

Additionally, Oxy Qatar has partnered with the national oil company to identify qualified job candidates through recruitment fairs and other initiatives.

To increase opportunities for senior professionals, Oxy Oman and Oxy Qatar invest in training and development programs, including temporary U.S. assignments during which employees acquire valuable international experience and new skills.