Drafting A Local Content Policy For The Oil Industry In Ecuador

Abstract

Oil companies have been operating in Ecuador’s western rain forest for the last 40 years. During that period Ecuador’s economy has grown substantially and has allowed a significant improvement on living conditions of the population. Unfortunately, within the areas of operation, those conditions haven’t changed in a sustainable way and local communities continue to struggle to survive, to get quality education and health access among other basic needs. This research project proposes to establish the minimum content of “Local Content Policy” that could integrate government initiatives, oil company needs and local communities’ expectations and demands as a mechanism to improve local economies.