The World Petroleum Congress (WPC) First Youth Forum is scheduled to be held in Beijing between October 17-20 this year.

According to Wang Tao, chairman of the WPC Chinese National Committee, the noted experts, scholars and senior executives from the world petroleum industry will be invited to deliver keynote addresses on the latest scientific and technological achievements of the petroleum industry as well as its future development. The theme for the forum is "Youth and Innovation -- the Future of the Petroleum Industry."

The main six topics in the forum include petroleum refining and petrochemical technology in the new century, the rapid development of alternatives for petroleum, IT and other new technologies leading the industry into a new epoch of development and youth.

The chairman added that six technical sessions under the six major topics will also be held during the forum. The sessions include the present status and perspective of petroleum exploration and development, the petroleum industry and environment/social responsibility, as well as management, human resources and the contribution of youth.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2004)