The annual Mediterranean Offshore Conference and Exhibition (MOC 2018) kicked off in Alexandria on April 17, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

During his opening speech, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla positioned MOC 2018 as one of the distinct petroleum platforms where local and international industry insiders can exchange views, discuss opportunities and share expectations.

The theme of this year’s conference – ‘Mediterranean Potentials: Unlocked Step 2’ –  is of particular importance given the enormous potential of the Mediterranean in assisting the development of regional countries.

Head of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and Chairman of the Conference’s Organizing Committee Osama El Bakly, highlighted the importance of direct communication, dialogue and exchange of experiences in his opening speech.

The conference is an ideal opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the industry’s current and future challenges. Because of this, it has become of interest for international oil companies, experts and investors to be present, El Bakly said, expressing hopes that the discussions and technical meetings of the conference will be productive.