Our actions are the subject of multiple audits

Pierre Nerguararian leads two years Total in Moscow subsidiary, with main project Shtokman, developed offshore deposit with giant Gazprom.

Western entrepreneurs often complain of time negotiations and delays in the implementation of the agreements. Do you live these frustrations with the long politico-industrielle saga of Shtokman

Even if relations are sometimes frank and hard, developing industrial cooperation of long-term Russia is not frightening! This has nothing to do with shots heard. Total is here for twenty years. We work in a very capital-intensive industry and therefore in the long term. Present in 130 countries, the group known to carry out long-term projects. For the Shtokman offshore deposit (3.800 billion cubic metres of gas reserves), he was selected in 2007 by Gazprom as a partner in the company to conduct the first phase of development. With 25 of the capital, we are the main partner of Gazprom (51) on the side of the Norwegian Statoil (24). The technical definition is well advanced and a large part of the tender is in progress. The final investment decision planned for 2010 has just be pushed back to March 2011, corresponding to a start of production in 2016 to export gas by pipeline. We have delayed (almost three years) to dates announced in the beginning, but we now have a realistic program. The postponement was decided jointly with our partners to adapt the technical work programme. And non-floating between partners or alleged political uncertainties.

Shell and BP have suffered in Russia in the past. When Vladimir Poutine, the Prime Minister, said want to "ensure the interests of our foreign partners", him trust you

Fully. We have no concerns. The Russian Government has the merit to keep a clear speech and do what he said. It is in this context that we have chosen a major cooperation agreement on Shtokman. We have met since no administrative obstacles and the support of the authorities is very strong. The Government also encouraged the partnership we have with the independent gas producer Novatek. In addition, Vladimir Poutine invited us, with other companies, to participate in the development of the Yamal Peninsula. When the projects are part of the strategic options of the State, it is possible to negotiate balanced contracts and create strong partnerships. Is whether to listen to our partners and integrate their experience. The Russia research technological inputs, but it also has a long industrial and scientific experience. The key to success: come up with a technology really meet the needs and whether the transfer so that local companies incorporate it and that the account "Russian industrial content" is the highest possible.

IKEA recently fired its top two leaders in Moscow that led to the payment of a bribe by a subcontractor. A common practice in Russia. Total displays such a firm

We have a policy of "zero tolerance". Fortunately, we are not particularly exposed to this type of situation because our records have a very high profile. Our actions are the subject of multiple audits. The contracts with our subcontractors are very precise on these issues. In addition, I chose to never go to an appointment.