Delegates arrive for Apec petroleum summit

By GYNNIE KERO
MORE than 500 delegates from overseas have started arriving for a three-day petroleum and energy summit in Port Moresby starting today.
Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd managing director Wapu Sonk expects this year’s attendance to be bigger.
The summit will be held at the Stanley Hotel and Suites from today to Wednesday.
It brings together international companies to PNG and provides a platform for disseminating information and harnessing collaboration.
International companies participating include METI, JERA, Tokyo Gas, Oil Search, Santos, World Bank (IFC), Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd.
Sonk said the event would provide the platform for investors and KPHL was happy to sponsor given its success story from the inaugural event last year.
He said some of the topics would be around project updates, government policies, project finance, developing domestic energy markets and alternative energy supply options.
“This year’s event will see an increase of 100-plus (delegates) – stronger interests from LNG buyers,” he said.
“They are here to hear about the next project, Papua LNG by Total and the expansion (of PNG LNG) by Exxon.
“The most important aspect of this summit is that we want to create the venue for LNG buyers and sellers and those corporate entities involved in the energy sectors to talk about their projects.”
KPHL is hosting it with CWC Group, an international energy events specialist.
Gurpreet Hayre from CWC Group said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the second summit. We have registered over 500, including both local and international players and we expect an open forum for valuable discussion.”