Conference on Afghan oil industry held in Dubai

KABUL’s oil industry recently took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), organisers said.

The September 24-25 event was organised by the British company International Business House, with the support of the Afghan government, said Olga Akhramovich, conference contact person.

Representatives of the Afghan government and business community, foreign investors, petroleum traders and other interested parties from the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States attended.

Participants said Afghanistan had great potential for covering local demand for oil and even exporting energy resources to the international markets.

The country, enjoying a strategic location, can serve as a transit link between East and West, North and South with the establishment of security in the region.

Dialogue and new strategic business relationships, which started during the conference, would serve as an excellent platform for determine energy potential and logistics capabilities of Afghanistan to the international community, hoped Ahmad Rateb Popal, the Chairman of Watan Group – Afghanistan’s largest group of companies.

 Significant domestic demand is one of the major driving forces for the speedy development of the Afghan Energy Industry. The country needs 3.5 million tons of Petroleum Products annually.

Development of five major oil fields would meet the domestic demand and even help start exporting oil and gas to the neighbouring countries, said Azarakhsh Hafizi, CEO of the General Union of Oil and Gas Companies of Afghanistan.

Blessed with high potential, Afghanistan has at some point night establish a regional service hub and serve oil and gas companies in neighbouring countries, believed Dr. Mohammad Anwar Aryan, director general of the  Afghanistan Petroleum Authority.

As an integral part of the development of Afghanistan’s energy sector, it is crucial to provide reliable security and efficient logistics infrastructure, as well as to create a favourable economic and administrative environment for attracting foreign investment.

“The government of Afghanistan is ready to undertake a significant portion of the risks and to ensure safety of foreign investors,” said Dr. Najibullah Mojadidi, the Afghan ambassador  to the UAE.

All participants appreciated the efforts of the organisers and emphasised the importance for the industry to continue the dialogue through annual oil conferences.

pr/mud

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