“Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) provides an opportunity for member states to exchange views on global developments in the gas market and expansion of cooperation,” said Alireza Kameli, Head of National Iranian Gas Exports Company.
Kameli noted that a statement will be issued at the GECF on expansion of cooperation among member countries, promotion of gas consumption in the world and further interaction between producers and consumers of natural gas; “also, the results of the world gas model will be evaluated and finalized. This model enjoys a powerful database on energy and a part of related data have been obtained from the GECF members,” he said.
Kameli added that the model is the first specialized model for energy supply and demand with a focus on industry and trade of natural gas in the world.
The official maintained that Iran’s re-election as the forum’s Secretary General for the second term has strengthened the country’s gas industry position and intensified Iran’s role among other gas exporters; “the holding of the third GECF in Tehran shows we have been able to act very positively by using diplomatic means in maintaining Iran’s position in the international structure related to energy,” he said.
Kameli asserted that Iran’s special ranking for hydrocarbon reserves and the country’s share of energy trade and exchange can act as a proper leverage in energy diplomacy, adding “Iran’s unique geopolitical position makes it possible for us to become a hub for energy distribution in the region and across the globe.”
Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said Tuesday that Iran hopes to become a regional gas hub and export to its neighbors. The country produced 172 billion cubic meters of gas in 2014 and seeks to more than double its production to 365 billion in two years.
Tehran is currently hosting a meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), which includes major producers such as Russia, Qatar and Algeria. Iran is the third largest gas producer after the US and Russia.
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