17 Countries to Attend International Gas Forum in Bolivia

The Bolivian city of Tarija hosts the 10th International Gas and Energy Forum (FIGAS) 2018 running, from Thursday to Saturday, with the presence of experts representing 17 countries.

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The panelists, who are attending the summit, specialize in “exploration and production of hydrocarbons, as well as the generation and transmission of electricity and renewable energies,” according to FIGAS.

FIGAS, created in 2009, is a specialized dialogue forum in which public and private entities, corporations, academics, among others engaged in various sectors of the industry. The panelists join to discuss ideas and proposals related to the design of energy policies, best practices and the promotion of the hydrocarbon industry in Bolivia and Latin America, according to forum declaration.

This year’s forum underscores the participation of experts from Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Russia, Uruguay, Panama, Paraguay and the host country, among others.

The main topic being discussed, in the forum, will be ethanol — a recent biofuel integrated into Bolivia’s market. The president of the Federation of Private Employers of Santa Cruz, Luis Barbery, and two Brazilian specialists — one of them representing Siemens — will lecture on the subject.

FIGA’s workshop highlight will be on hydrocarbon seismic and exploratory data processing, the fourth of its kind to be held at the forum.

The conference takes places just days after the November 1 launching of the national level commercialization of Super Ethanol 92 by President Evo Morales.

"Today is a historic day because for the first time since the founding of the Republic we are launching this Super Ethanol 92 fuel for the good of all Bolivians,” stated the Bolivian President Evo Morales, during a recent ceremony held to announce the product.

“Now, we have considered moving forward on two issues. First, moving forward in biodiesel, I am convinced that we must take that important step. Second, it is important to continue working so as not to remain in Super Ethanol 92, but to advance to the Super Ethanol 97, in this way to comply with international standards." 

Bolivia is currently driving efforts to “phase out the country's reliance on imported gasoline and diesel additives, which are used to improve the performance of both fuels,” according to EFE.