Mines and Energy Minister encourages participation in oil and gas exhibitions

Ed Byrne, Minister of Mines and Energy, is encouraging local companies to participate in a series of national and international Oil and Gas Exhibitions being held in 2004. The Department of Mines and Energy is now organizing the provincial participation in the following exhibitions: the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, May 3-6; the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary, Alberta, June 8-10; and, Offshore Northern Seas, in Stavanger, Norway, August 24-27.

"These shows are the premier events to promote our offshore oil and gas potential. They provide us with the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our supply and service community as well as our established oil and gas infrastructure," said Minister Byrne. "Local companies have found these venues to be extremely beneficial in developing new business opportunities and/or in renewing contact with their existing client base."

The OTC in Houston is the world�s largest international oil and gas exhibition attracting approximately 50,000 visitors and as many as 1,800 exhibiting companies. The Global Petroleum Show in Calgary is the largest national oil and gas exhibition and focuses primarily on land-based exploration and development. Offshore Northern Seas in Stavanger, Norway promotes the latest in offshore technologies and developments.

Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador have been active participants in these exhibitions since the discovery of the Hibernia oil field. Approximately 50 local companies participate in these shows on a regular basis and help share the associated costs.

"Participation in these shows over the years has led to over 100 joint ventures, partnerships and strategic alliances for local companies while numerous others have availed of technology transfer opportunities," said Minister Byrne. "The record land sale for the Orphan Basin has generated a lot of new interest in our offshore and we expect the Newfoundland and Labrador booth to be extremely busy."

In addition to providing opportunities for locally-based companies to promote their services, Minister Byrne said these exhibition shows are critical to the provincial government�s efforts to market and promote Newfoundland and Labrador�s place in the oil and gas industry.

"These are high level events where we can ensure the key players in this industry are aware of what is currently happening in this province and to provide further information on the potential of the resources offshore and onshore," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Minister Byrne also referenced the Offshore Newfoundland Petroleum Show hosted annually by the Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association (NOIA). The 2004 show is scheduled for June 2-3 in St. John�s.

"While it is important that the province has a presence at shows in other parts of the country and the world, it is just as important that local companies who work to support the oil and gas industry participate in opportunities within our own province to promote their services," said Minister Byrne. "Last year more than 200 companies exhibited at the local show and I encourage as many companies as possible to participate this year when the rest of the country and the world come to us."

Companies interested in participating in the Texas, Alberta and Norway exhibition shows can contact the Department of Mines and Energy at (709) 729-5681.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282

2004 01 22                                        2:30 p.m.