SECTION 19 — Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 18 above, associated gas exploitation activities shall enjoy the following tax benefits:

- Exemption from company tax for the first 5 (five) years of operation. At the end of the said period, the associated gas operator shall be liable to company tax at the reduced rate of 35 % (thirty-five percent); - Exemption from registration fees for buildings leased solely for professional use as an integral part of the investment programme; - Exemption from transfer fees on the acquisition of property, land and buildings essential to the implementation of the investment programme; - Exemption from the graduated tax on production as provided for in the Petroleum Code; - For the first 10 (ten) years of associated gas exploitation, deduction of depreciation normally recorded during the first 3 (three) fiscal years on taxable income from the next 5 (five) fiscal years.