PORT GENTIL, June 23 -- Chinese oil firm Addax Petroleum has opened a training center in Gabon's commercial capital of Port Gentil to benefit Gabonese youths who wish to work in a petroleum company.

The center, which will have a capacity of 50 students, will train the first group of students for two to three months.

"This training program for the youths illustrates the commitment taken by the company to enhance professional development of our employees," Addax Petroleum assistant administrator Roger Mavoungou Sickout said over the weekend during the launch of the program.

"One of our objectives in our new management policy is to reinforce the company's contribution to the development of Gabonese youths, by offering them an opportunity to expand their expertise," he added.

Gabon began drilling oil over half a century ago and established its first training institute in oil a few months ago in partnership with Total Gabon. However, the institute only trains senior managers in the oil sector.