Dutch mission explores oil & gas business

Manama : Dutch oil companies are exploring potential business opportunities in Bahrain with the hosting of their first Oil & Gas Trade Mission to Bahrain.

Executives from 17 Dutch Oil and Gas companies held talks with BAPCO, NOGA, Tatweer Petroleum, APM Terminals and the Bahrain EDB as part of the mission organised by the Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Oil & Gas Industry, the IRO, to enhance trade opportunities. 

“For Dutch companies, this mission is a stepping stone towards connecting with the $1.5 trillion GCC market. I hope that this mission will help further enhance the already strong ties between the two countries,” said Jaap W. Vaandrager, the Netherland’s Honorary Consul in Bahrain during a networking event organised to honour the delegates. 

Bahraini Oil Minister Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa honoured the delegation with a surprise visit and stressed the importance of continuing close links with the Dutch Oil and Gas world.

Frans Potuyt, the Netherlands Ambassador to Bahrain, wished the delegation success in Bahrain and congratulated the Bahrain Netherlands Business Network on its 3rd anniversary. 

The Trade mission is backed by the Netherlands Embassy in Kuwait and the Netherlands Consulate in Bahrain. 

Established nearly fifty years ago, the IRO (Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Oil & Gas Industry) is an independent non-profit organisation that supports and promotes the interests of its 450 member companies.