On 28 February 2013, the government issued a decree providing tax incentives for companies exploiting hydrocarbons within Uruguay's continental shelf. The provisions follow the framework of the Second Round Table of Uruguay held in March 2012. The tax incentives are granted retroactively as of 5 October 2012, which is the date when the Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland (ANCAP) signed contracts for the exploration of hydrocarbon. The main tax incentives granted to contractors are as follows: -   a VAT credit on the purchase of goods and services in connection with the installation (including study, evaluation, prospecting activities);...