Posted 09 October 2012
For the second year running our export division FSC Global exhibited at the KIOGE 2007 oil and gas show in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Daniel Butterfield spoke to Wired about his experiences at the show, including a brush with royalty.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York visited us at KIOGE 2007 - we're still waiting for the order!
“It was great to be back” said Daniel. “It’s been a busy year for us and it seems like only yesterday we were last here.”
Since FSC Global last exhibited in 2006 the show has grown significantly, with more visitors through the door and the addition of a new pavilion.
“We were one of 578 exhibitors. Many of the companies we recognised from last year but there were also a lot of new faces – 120 companies were exhibiting for the first time. The way the show has expanded in size really reflects this changing and dynamic oil and gas market, as well as the development of Kazakhstan itself.”
The key products FSC Global supplies to this industry are oil, gas and marine cables but there is great demand for high-spec products in Low Smoke Halogen Free types, often with fire resistant or hydrocarbon resistant properties.
Such are the demands of the industry, many of the products supplied are now bespoke.
“That’s very much the way the market is changing and we are starting to define ourselves as more of a service provider than a product provider. Customers are looking for us to provide solutions.”
Prince Andrew, Duke of York paid a visit to the stand in his role as the UK’s special representative for trade and investment. He came to outline his long-term strategy for technological assistance between the UK and Kazakhstan.
“His presence certainly created a buzz around the place and it bodes well for future relations and trade between the two countries” said Daniel.
“Kazakhstan is a key market for us” he added. “Its experience and competence in extraction, not only from its own oil and gas fields but also from the north sea is seeing it push towards being one of the top 10 oil producing countries in the world.”
“As always the show was a great opportunity to meet customers face to face, old and new, to discuss their requirements and ways in which we can better meet their needs.”