Petrotech 2016 exhibition opened

Manama, Sep. 27 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa deputised Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to open the 10th Middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Exhibition (Petrotech 2016). Held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) on September 26-29, the event was attended by high-profile executives and technical experts from refining and marketing organisations from over 30 countries. It is considered largest gathering of oil and gas industry, as well as manufacturing industries in the Middle East. The deputy premier toured the pavilions of the exhibition, alongside Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and a number of ministers. He was informed about the exhibits, which included the latest technology and products in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. Shaikh Ali conveyed greetings from HRH the Prime Minister to the participants at the exhibition in which mega world and GCC companies, as well as oil refining and petrochemical industries' experts are participating. He lauded HRH the Prime Minister's patronage of Petrotech 2016, noting that the Premier constantly supports the development of oil and manufacturing industries, encourages exchange of expertise in the fields of energy and the industries associated with it for the aim of enhancing the comprehensive development march in the kingdom and strengthen its competitive potentials in attracting various investments. The deputy premier asserted that the increasing attendance witnessed by the conference reflects the kingdom's ability to host specialised events in light of its open economy and outstanding investment atmosphere that have entitled to be a main centre for regional and international conferences and exhibitions in the region. He asserted that the oil and gas industry and the manufacturing industries constitute an essential tributary of the national economy within the development strategy adopted by the kingdom and the countries of the region to diversify income sources and attract investments in the oil and manufacturing industries to increase their revenues. He affirmed that Petrotech has strengthened its position as key platform that brings together mega regional and international oil and gas and manufacturing industries to showcase their latest innovations and advanced experience in the fields of refining and petrochemicals, adding that the participation of international experts will reflect positively on the efforts to develop the oil, gas and energy sector in the kingdom. He added that such conferences and exhibitions increase the efficiency of the oil and gas sector in Bahrain regarding the use of modern technology. They also develop the skills of the sector's affiliates, and reflect the kingdom's distinguished ability in the conferences and exhibitions industry. The deputy premier explained that investment in the industrial sector, especially in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, is essential in implementing the government's strategy to develop the national economy and diversify sources of income. Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa commended the efforts of the event's organisers, wishing them every success in achieving the goals of the conference. Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa extended sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising Petrotech 2016. He also lauded the Prime Minister's constant support to the oil and gas sector, citing his personal follow-up and directives to in this regard. He also thanked the deputy premier for opening the exhibition, calling for the need to take advantage of such international events to develop the oil, gas and petrochemicals sector in the kingdom as they provide access to various advanced experiences in the fields of refining and petrochemicals.