Javad Owji, who made the remarks on the sidelines of the 26th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, also known as Iran Oil Show, told Shana, “Today, we are witnessing the presence of Iranian knowledge-based firms that have put their latest products on display.”

The minister noted that knowledge-based firms and highly skilled experts have the capacity to greatly help the oil and gas sectors boost their production in hydrocarbon fields.

“We have to pay special attention to knowledge-based firms and develop their activities in the oil industry,” he stressed.

The 26th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition kicked off during an opening ceremony at Tehran’s Permanent Fairground on Friday and will run through Monday, May 16.

The four-day exhibition will be host to 1,200 Iranian and 44 foreign companies or their agents.

Apart from domestic participants representing Iran, foreign companies are from Italy, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine, South Africa, and Belgium.

The companies and other participants are showcasing their latest achievements and products in 908 pavilions, of which 815 are the stands for companies, 23 for universities as well as scientific and research centers, and 70 for knowledge-based firms, startups, and industrial parks.

In addition, 27 expert-level sessions revolving around the topics of “knowledge-based firms, energy policymaking, future of gas market, new means for financial supply, and other main issues in the oil industry” will be held.

Of the expert-level sessions, eight will shed light on the oil industry’s needs in upstream and downstream sectors, calling for the participating knowledge-based firms to help meet them.