TEHRAN -- A Sudanese oil ministry official said here Wednesday Sudan could use Iran’s expertise and knowledge in the oil sector to develop its upstream oil industry, a move that can potentially transform the North African country’s economy. 
“Sudan has a downstream oil industry, and Iran’s knowledge can help us set up upstream industries,” Imamallah Jabu, who is in Iran as part of a Sudanese delegation, said.
The upstream oil industry involves the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. It includes searching for potential underground or underwater crude oil and natural gas fields through geological surveys, seismic studies, and exploratory drilling.
Jabu pointed out that upstream oil industries are among the most expensive but can transform a country’s economy.
He said Sudan was keen on strengthening relations with Iran in various energy and oil sectors. Although facing sanctions, he said Iran has remained an attractive destination for private-sector investments from other countries.