September 2, 1999
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Minister to lead provincial delegation to international offshore show

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly will lead a delegation of 29 provincial companies and organizations to Aberdeen, Scotland for Offshore Europe '99 next week.

"Offshore Europe is one of the premier international oil and gas exhibitions and I am pleased to be leading such a substantial provincial delegation to this year's show," said Minister Kelly. "Many of our province's offshore petroleum companies are now well-established in the industry and have the potential to set up joint ventures, sign new contracts and develop new partnerships."

The provincial delegation is comprised of 22 local companies and various industry organizations such as the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, and the Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association. The city of St. John's, the town of Paradise, Memorial University of Newfoundland's Faculty of Engineering, the College of the North Atlantic and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will also be participating.

Held every two years, Offshore Europe is one of the most well-established events in the oil and gas industry. This year's conference will take place from September 7-10, and is centred around the theme, "New Challenges - New Answers" with an emphasis on exhibiting new technology for the industry. Conference participants can attend five management roundtables, over 100 technical presentations and poster sessions and a showcase of over 1800 exhibitors from 23 countries highlighting technological advances.

"Our provincial oil and gas industry has seen substantial development over the last few years and this event will provide tremendous deal-making and networking opportunities for local companies involved in this sector," said Minister Kelly.

During Offshore Europe '99, Minister Kelly will open an art exhibit by Canadian artist Peter Gough. The exhibit features a series of paintings depicting Newfoundland and Labrador's scenic beauty and will be on display throughout the event.

"It is great to have this art exhibit coincide with Offshore Europe '99," said Minister Kelly. "It will give conference participants from around the world a chance to learn more about our province's unique culture and pristine beauty, and it gives them the chance to learn about the incredible opportunities in our oil and gas industry during Offshore Europe '99."

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