Upetrom subsidiary Grup Servicii Petroliere (GSP) has put forward $7 million (£4.75 million) for a new oil and gas training centre and foresees a recruitment drive that will boost its employee base by around 200 workers in 2009.

Speaking to Romanian daily Ziarul Financiar, company representatives said that despite the downturn and the concomitant slump in crude prices, the company is expecting to improve its performance in 2008 as investment in new infrastructure, training and skills begins to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.

However, a spokesperson said that the company has not been entirely insulated from the economic crisis.

"As for getting loans during this period, there are difficulties at the level of all economic segments. Unfortunately, the oil and gas industry hasn't been spared," the representative said.

GSP started 2009 with a large-scale investment in new port facilities that will improve shipping and handling capacity at the Constanta South - Agigea port.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development