Nova Scotia Wraps up Successful Week in Houston

Nova Scotia companies have done a great job of adapting to the needs of the oil and gas industry and exporting their expertise to markets around the world. That's what ExxonMobil Canada president Jeff Woodbury told delegates at the 2003 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Tex., today, May 8.

Speaking at the World Energy Cities Partnership breakfast, Mr. Woodbury highlighted the economic benefits oil and gas have brought to Canada's east coast. He also spoke about local businesses and training institutions and their ability to meet the challenges of this competitive industry.

Wrapping up a busy week in Houston, Energy Minister Ernest Fage was pleased with Nova Scotia's presence at the international trade show and technical conference.

"This has been a tremendous week and Nova Scotians can be proud of the impact we've made in Houston," said Mr. Fage. "Our booth has been extremely busy with a lot of interest being displayed in Nova Scotia's offshore opportunities and our businesses have been seeing real results."

Twenty-six Nova Scotia companies attended the conference from May 5 to 8, along with the Department of Energy and the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS). A number of businesses are reporting successful meetings and negotiations.

Jacques Whitford and Frontline Safety Ltd. of Dartmouth announced joint venture partnerships and agreements during the conference. Companies like Parker Brothers Contracting Limited and Alscott Air Systems Ltd. have also reported making real progress in their business ventures.

"The key to success at these events is in building relationships with these partners and then turning those relationships into contracts," said OTANS chair, Jay Abbass. "With more than 40,000 people through the show each day and dozens of meetings with potential clients, the OTC is one of the best opportunities to bring Nova Scotia's companies together with the international industry."

Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference is the world's foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection.