seven and eight of the South Pars gas development project in the Persian Gulf. This agreement reflects Statoil's strategy to expand its international upstream activities. Arabia, and in Iran. Middle East. This new activity is in line with Norwegian foreign policy, which encourages increased trade relations with Iran. Work is due to take place over the next four years, and Statoil's capital commitment over that period will amount to $300 million. The agreement will take effect before 10 November, when Statoil takes over the operatorship. produced over a four-year period from the start of production - which will be in late 2004 under current plans. Statoil regards this as an attractive and robust project. plant. exported to other Iranian oil fields for injection as pressure support.