ASTANA. February 5. KAZINFORM /Rizvana Sadykova/ As earlier reported, Kazakh-Norwegian business forum, entitled "Interaction between Kazakhstan and Norway in the Energy Sector" has started its work today in Astana.

Representatives of Kazakh and Norwegian oil-and-gas companies as well as state bodies take part in the forum aimed at strengthening of the dialogue and cooperation between the two governments and the oil-and-gas industry in both countries.

Among those who have already presented their reports are the representatives of several Norwegian oil-and-gas companies as Statiol ASA, Aker Solutions, AGR Petroleum, ABB Limited, Norwegian Institute for Water Research and others.

According to AGR Petroleum Services calculations the demand for oil and gas is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future, while at the same time hydrocarbons are being discovered and developed in ever smaller accumulations. Therefore, field development and IOR processes will have to become more efficient and expediting completion without any loss of assurance, which is a considerable challenge.

As a fully engineered Integrated Process, Safety and Power Management solution ABB combines together its wide product portfolio using international standards such as Ethernet, IEC61508 and IEC61850 to improve productivity by improved operator facilities, Asset Management and computerized Maintenance management Safety services include TUV certified Functional safety engineers, implementation centers and products, safety assessment and maintenance services to ensure both process plant and personnel safety. As the Main Contractor ABB provides complete solutions and carries out interface management between engineering and 3rd party supply companies reducing costs, risk and schedule.