OREANDA-NEWS On 06 October was announced, that on 6-9 October, Almaty will host the 17th Kazakhstan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference KIOGE 2009.

KIOGE is the country’s leading industry event in the oil and gas sector. In his welcome letter to KIOGE participants, Sauat Mynbayev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, said. “The exhibition has already acquired a status of the largest and most respected event in this industry – not only in Kazakhstan but all over the Central Asian region”.

The exhibition and conference bring together the most prominent professionals in the Kazakh oil and gas sector. This enables domestic and international companies to forge partnerships that will help to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of oil exploration, production and transit in this influential market.

Oil was first found in Kazakhstan 110 years ago and oil now accounts for 15% of the country’s GDP. Oil revenues are an important contributor to the development and growth in the economy and provide valuable stability in a difficult global financial environment.

With proven recoverable oil reserves of 4.8 million tons, which corresponds to 3% of total global reserves, Kazakhstan ranks in the world's top ten countries for proven recoverable oil reserves. In the next five to ten years, as oil and gas outputs grow, the role of the oil and gas sector in the national development will undoubtedly increase. At the same time, experts predict a renewal of economic growth worldwide, which, naturally, will lead to increased energy consumption.

In this respect, the role of KIOGE as the country’s leading business forum cannot be overstated. The event benefits from the support of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Almaty City Akimat and the country’s national oil company, KazMunayGas. The exhibition will showcase products and services from hundreds of companies from around the world, including some of the best known names in the industry. The conference features high level speakers and delegates who will learn about, and debate some of the most topical issues affecting the industry.

The exhibition and conference form the centrepiece of a week-long schedule of seminars, round-table debates, a job fair, business presentations and a host of networking events including cocktail receptions, gala dinners and a golf day.

KIOGE is organised by ITECA, part of the international trade event organiser, ITE Group. The Head of ITE’s International Oil and Gas Division, Graeme Coombes said. “KIOGE is an all encompassing trade event and it offers value to everyone involved in the Kazakh oil and gas sector. The conference, exhibition and other events that run in parallel to KIOGE provide an array of opportunities for learning, relationship building, product promotion and business. It is the region’s premier trade event and the dynamic nature of the world’s economy and the vital role that the energy sector plays within it, means that this year’s event will be arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated in the event’s 16 year history.”