The oil sector is attaching increasing importance to scientific research in order to develop the oil, gas and petrochemical industries in Egypt, said the Egyptian Petroleum Minister Eng. Sameh Fahmy.

Addressing a symposium on the future of nanotechnology applications in the oil and natural gas field in Egypt, Fahmy highlighted that scientific research has become a main pillar of the ministry’s integrated strategy in light of challenges posed by successive changes in oil production either on the local, regional or international levels.

Scientific research, notably in nanotechnology, is important in view of expectations of an increase in international energy demands in the next 30 years, he added.

Fahmy’s address was delivered on his behalf by President of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) Abdel-Aleem Taha.

The symposium was organized by the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI) in the presence of veteran scientist Moustafa el-Sayyed.