伊朗回购合同模式的“当地化”问题

The "localization" issue in Iran's buy-back contract model

伊朗油气资源开发采取回购合同模式。该合同的一个重要特点是严格的当地化要求,投资者和工程承包商都要承担最大限度地利用当地资源的义务。根据有关当地化的法律规定,伊朗石油工程项目必须优先授予当地工程承包商,只有在没有合格的当地承包商的情况下,才可将工程项目授予外国公司,而外国承包商必须履行最大程度地雇佣当地雇员、利用伊朗的设计力量和资源、使用伊朗当地分包商、购买当地设备、材料和服务等义务。当地化规定的解释和适用存在一些问题,给在伊朗承包工程项目的中资企业带来了诸多风险。中资企业应当在公司注册、当地雇员、设备采购、当地分包等各个方面采取积极应对措施。

The buy-back contract model is central to Iran's oil and gas resource development. One of the important features of the contract is its strictly local sourcing requirements on the investor and contractor. Local laws and regulations require Iranian petroleum engineering projects to give priority to local engineering contractors; only when there is a shortage of qualified local contractors may foreign contractors participate in a project, and they must in turn fulfill their obligation to maximize employment of locals, use Iranian design capabilities and resources, use Iranian local subcontractors, and purchase local equipment, materials and services. Some problems have arisen in the interpretation and application of localization requirements, adding to the risks to China invested enterprises owning contract projects in Iran. China invested enterprises should reach positive solutions on various aspects, including company registrations, local employees, equipment procurement, local subcontracts, and so on.