Qatar Committed to Ensure Energy Supply - Energy Minister

Doha, December 06 (QNA) - HE Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada expected an increase in world demand for energy in the near future, reiterating Qatar's commitment to secure energy supplies to the world and work on more partnerships with multinational energy firms in order to establish a supply-demand equilibrium. His Excellency spoke of the significance of gas as a clean source of energy that did not get enough attention despite its advantages. This came in the second plenary session of the ongoing World Petroleum Conference (WPC) in Doha under the title "Qatar s Role in the Energy Landscape of the Future". His Excellency chaired the session along with Chairman & CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation Rex Tillerson, and CEO, Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser. Participants pointed to the growing role of Qatar in supplying energy thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani that succeeded in designing an integrated developmental plan that established Qatar as "the capital of liquefied natural gas". Participants also praised the expansion plans adopted by Qatar to develop its energy sector. They highlighted the necessity of enhancing mutual cooperation amongst governments, multinational energy firms and civil society in order to achieve sustainable economic development by setting and applying policies aiming at fostering investment and innovation. WPC continues till Thursday and witnesses 18 ministerial sessions and 11 special sessions held twice a day and attended by everyone. In addition, 16 private sessions are to discuss new issues such as shale gas whose industry and uses have recently developed, and world economic crisis. 5,000 people amongst which 35 ministers from influential countries in oil industry participate in the conference. More 11 special sessions will discuss the best practices in oil sector and will be supervised by firms with better practices or with successful experiments whether in managerial or technical issues so that they could be discussed and made use of. The conference will witness a head-to-head session between International Energy Agency (IEA) representing consumers and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) representing producers where the two sides are to share and discuss their concerns. Out of 2000 papers submitted to the conference, One hundred papers were selected and will be discussed during practical five-aspect seminars, while CEOs will share their visions for the industry during 14 roundtable discussions. In addition to the previous 100 papers, more 186 ones were selected where their authors will present them in the gallery in the form of posters instead of paper. Activities for youth, women and social responsibility will be available too. (QNA)