This year, the three-day conference and exhibition hosted by Viet Nam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), includes the theme of "Innovation and Co-operation – The Way Forward".—VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub)— The ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) Conference and Exhibition opened on Thursday at HCM City's Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai.

Held every four years, alternating between member countries, the event is one of the most important activities of ASCOPE.

It showcases the ASEAN petroleum industry to the world and provides a forum for the regional and global petroleum industry to discuss new technologies, petroleum economics, co-operation in energy security and environmental concerns.

This year, the three-day conference and exhibition hosted by Viet Nam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), includes the theme of "Innovation and Co-operation – The Way Forward".

It has attracted about 120 international and local exhibitors and 300 conference delegates.

"We are living in an era overwhelmed by challenges, from rapid economic growth, rising population and accelerating urbanisation, which make demands for oil and gas resources." Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said in his welcome message.

In his welcome message, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said: "We are living in an era overwhelmed by challenges, from rapid economic growth, rising population and accelerating urbanisation, which make demands for oil and gas resources."

"Viet Nam is fortunately endowed with potential oil and gas reserves of which proper investments and exploitation have helped the country secure sustainable development and an energy supply," he said.

Hai added: "How will the ongoing global climate change impact natural resources? What can we do to preserve, on the one hand, and utilise, on the other, such valuable resources? And how does the oil and gas industry contribute to future economic growth and energy security of each and every country? Those are not the only concerns for Viet Nam but for the entire region."

"They are also the questions that I hope we will together find answers and solution in this 10th ASCOPE Conference and Exhibition 2013."

During the three-day exhibition, leading companies of the oil and gas industry will showcase tools and technologies for oil and gas exploration, production and transportation; equipment for energy resources; metering and control; and automatic process control systems, and local area networks.

The leaders of the oil and gas companies in ASEAN attend the exhibition.— Photos petrotimes

They will also demonstrate integrated operational systems for plant management; software and innovative projects for oil and gas facilities construction; a wide variety of fittings; and protective equipment and services for oil and gas complex.

In addition to pavilions from members, there are also booths from Russia, the US, Netherlands, France, Norway and the Middle East.

Other conferences will also be organised during the event to focus on the pressing issues of the oil and gas industry and provide timely insights into ASEAN petroleum business and challenges as well as solutions.

ASCOPE was established in 1975 as an instrument for regional co-operation among ASEAN countries. ASCOPE-member countries are represented by their respective National oil companies or authorities in charge of petroleum issues.— VNS