Potential partnerships and other business
opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore oil and gas
industry will be explored this week during the Offshore Northern Seas (ONS)
conference and exhibition in Stavanger, Norway. Approximately 32
delegates representing 16 Newfoundland and Labrador companies and
organizations will be in attendance.
"Numerous local firms had their first foray
into the oil and gas business through joint ventures and partnerships
with prominent Norwegian firms during the early days of Hibernia," said
the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "This
conference enables us to continue building on the strong working
relationship we have established with Norway and the surrounding area,
while providing our own service and supply sector with significant
opportunities for networking and development."
This year's conference, entitled
Energy for
More People,
will include topics such as environmental stewardship,
resource exploitation, the growing global demand for energy and the
existing and potential challenges facing the global oil and gas
community. The development of renewable energy sources in an
increasingly environmentally-conscious world will also be explored.
"Forums such as this provide an international
opportunity to market Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable
Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business. "No doubt, the delegation
representing the burgeoning oil and gas industry of our province will
form important partnerships and learn valuable information while
attending the Offshore Northern Seas conference and exhibition."
Participation at international oil and gas
trade shows and exhibitions is an opportunity to market and promote
Newfoundland and Labrador's energy sector. It also helps build
international market awareness of the province's resources and its
potential, as well as service and supply capabilities.
Since its launch in the 1970s, ONS has gained
a reputation as being one of the world's most important forums for the
international oil and gas industry. The event brings together heads of
government, senior management, technical specialists and industry
analysts from approximately 100 countries to discuss key energy issues.
ONS begins today and concludes Friday, August
27. For more information, visit