Bahrain's minister of oil and gas affairs has expressed his delight at Getenergy's decision to hold its first event on education and training within the refining and petrochemical industries in the country.

Dr Abdul-Hussain Ali Mirza, who also serves as the chairman of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), pledged to provide all the necessary help to ensure that the two-day event, which is due to take place on 10th and 11th of November 2008, is a success.

He explained that one of NOGA's key strategic objectives is to "maximise efforts to develop national manpower and indigenise positions in the petroleum industry".

As such, the Bahraini government fully supports Getenergy's plans to push forward training and development initiatives for local professionals in partnership with the state-owned oil company and other multi-national businesses.

"It would be our pleasure to hold this event under our patronage and will provide all necessary support to successfully achieve its objectives," the minister stated.

The meeting will aim to address the industry-wide challenge of meeting growing demand for trained engineers, plant managers and HR personnel, with some of the region's leading refiners, downstream companies and technical colleges and other educational institutions also set to share their ideas and expertise.