More than 300 mega oil and gas companies from 30 countries and a number of experts and specialists will take part in the "Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2013) which opens on March 10 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The four-day event is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, reported the Gulf daily News, our sister publication.

Finance Minister and the Minister in Charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa held a meeting with the chairman and members of the executive committee of MEOS 2013 and was briefed on the preparations. Shaikh Ahmed thanked HRH the Premier for his keenness to patronise MEOS since 1979.

"Over 300 mega oil and gas companies from 30 countries and a number of experts and specialists will take part in MEOS 2013, a key event aimed at boosting the economy and upgrading the skills of national workforce," he noted.

The minister praised the kingdom for its ability to host the event for the 18th time in a row, which, he said, testifies to the facilities provided by the government for companies, exhibitors and participants.

He hailed the co-ordination of ministries and state departments and the support of GCC oil companies.

Shaikh Ahmed highlighted the National Oil and Gas Authority's constant efforts to achieve the goals set out in Economic Vision 2030, and to promote the kingdom's position as an international hub of oil conferences and exhibitions.-TradeArabia News Service