The GAC Group is bringing its African market knowledge to US clients in and around the global energy hub of Houston, Texas.  Gerrit Laubscher, Business Development Manager - Oil & Gas for Sub-Saharan Africa, will be assigned to Houston to share his expertise and focus on promoting trade and cooperation between key energy players in the USA and African oil producing countries. From the GAC North America Logistics (formerly known as GEMS) base in Houston, Gerrit will serve as a bridge between the two regions, offering regional expertise and guidance, in-depth local insight and market intelligence direct to customers looking to work in Sub-Saharan Africa. He will work closely with GAC’s Houston oil & gas team to broaden the exposure of global clients in his home market.  “Houston’s role and significance at the heart of the global upstream oil & gas industry is well recognised,” says Gerrit. “Whilst modern communication technology is great, there is nothing like face-to-face contact in real time. GAC is eliminating the six hour time difference by bringing its African face and local knowledge to many key industry players in the USA.”   GAC’s network of offices in Angola, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa works with experienced preferred agents in other oil & gas producing countries throughout West and East Africa to serve the energy industry. By combining the specialised, local logistics expertise and experience of GAC’s personnel in West Africa and in Houston, the Group is able to offer an all-round integrated support package for the oil & gas sector. Erland Ebbersten, Group Vice President Africa, Russia & Central Asia, adds: “This move confirms our regional strategy to build greater awareness of GAC’s oil & gas strengths and capabilities in West Africa. Bringing our understanding and experience of operations in Sub-Saharan Africa within close reach of customers in the US will enhance and support the supply chain between the two regions.”