GE Oil and Gas's new Qatar Service Centre has officially been opened by the country's minister of energy and industry as the company looks to improve employment levels among the local workforce.

The new centre, which is located within the Ras Laffan Support Services Zone, is expected to employ around 40 specialist workers at its peak and is equipped with advanced centrifugal and processing plant equipment.

While work such as compressor and turbine inspections, engine overhauls and transition piece repairs will be carried out at the centre, much of the focus will be on improving GE Oil's standing within the oil-producing state and rolling out new job opportunities for Qatari nationals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nabil Habayeb, president of GE Middle East and Africa, stated: "The opening of the new service center here in Ras Laffan further strengthens our position as a global company committed to Qatar and the region.

"We are delighted to be part of Qatar's long term growth plans and are pleased to be building solid relationships, creating additional localized support for all our clients in the region."

The new facility also aims to maximise local procurement within Qatar, particularly in the rapidly expanding refinery industry in the Ras Laffan region.