From the 29^th of May until the 1^st of June, the 26^th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, the largest event of the energy sector in the Caspian region hosted at Baku Expo Center. Being a recognized international platform and a key event for the oil and gas industry in the region, the exhibition annually brings together top-level managers to discuss key oil & gas projects in the Caspian region and ensure energy security.

The first Caspian Oil & Gas exhibition was held in 1994 on the threshold of the milestone event that took place in the energy sector. In September of the same year the Contract of the Century which determined basic directions of broadscale development of hydrocarbons resources of the Caspian basin and opened a new epoch in history of the oil sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was signed. After the commencement of implementation of this grandiose project, Azerbaijan, led by Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev, became a symbol of global cooperation for many world countries and companies. The Contract of the Century was not only the first agreement in the whole Caspian region but also a prime example of successful cooperation of Azerbaijan with big foreign investors. This event predetermined major directions of broad-scale development of hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian Sea and paved a way to a new epoch in the oil-gas production history of Azerbaijan.

The participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev in the exhibition’s opening ceremony testifies to its high status. During its many successful years, officials from USA, UK, Turkey and other countries have sent their welcome letters to the exhibition.

The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) provide invaluable support to the Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition.

The status of the event is also indicated by its list of sponsors. SOCAR was the general partner of this main oil and gas event in the region. The Golden Sponsor of the conference was BP. Silver Sponsor – TPAO, Bronze Sponsors: Azeri MI Drilling Fluids, AZFEN, Baku Steel Company, BOS SHELF, Caspian Drilling Company, Сaspian Marine Services, Global Energy Azerbaijan, Socar Polymer, Tekfen Construction, Royal IHC.

The exhibitions was organised by Iteca Caspian and its partner ITE Group.

The list of exhibitors included leading companies in the oil and energy sector of the world. In 2019, more than 250 companies from the CIS countries, France, Germany, Italy, UK, USA, Turkey and other countries participated in the exhibition. They presented a wide range of equipment, services, innovative technologies in the field of oil production and transportation of energy resources, provision of oil and gas storage systems, platforms and floating drilling rigs, pipe laying and pipeline security systems, and maintenance services. For the first time, the exhibition covered such areas as NDTs and working at heights.

Companies such as Halliburton, Schlumberger, Worley Parsons, which had increased their exhibition space, showcased their innovative products and services to the exhibition guests. The Russian Export Centre, participated in the exhibition for the second year in a row, gathered representatives of the most advanced Russian companies at its stand. It was noteworthy that 55% of the participants were traditional participants of the Oil & Gas exhibition. Companies from Russia and Germany presented their latest products at their national stands

The exhibition was rich with additional events. Traditionally, B2B meetings held, where representatives of local and foreign companies were able to meet each other face to face to discuss ways of cooperation.

During the exhibition, a lot of attention was paid to the students and young professionals of the industry. Thus, a tour was planned to familiarise the future industry professionals with the latest industry innovations at the exhibition and establish contacts with representatives of the major oil companies. It was planned to install special CV-boxes, where young specialists could submit their résumé directly at the exhibition. Also, during the specialised training sessions, representatives of the leading oil companies shared their knowledge and experience with young specialists in the industry.

On a special platform “Bizimkiler”, our compatriots working abroad in world-famous oil companies shared their experience of major international companies, and was acquaint the participants and guests of the exhibition with the new products of the industry.

On the 1^st of June, International Children’s Day, the exhibition hosted master classes, where children l had the opportunity to try a new technique of drawing with ‘black gold’ - oil. There was a prize for the author of the best picture, which was presented by the Organisers.