State-run Business France, which supports development of the French economy, will field about 40 companies at the upcoming Adipec show, a leading oil and gas event in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The companies, representative of the industry's various sectors, will be presenting their products, services and expertise to local professionals with a view to developing or strengthening partnerships during the event running from November 11 to 13.

With major reserves (48 per cent of the world's oil reserves and 38 per cent of its gas resources) and an expected two-fold increase in its production between 2004 and 2020, the Middle East is a leading global player and the commercial opportunities in the oil and gas industry in the region are vast.

The expertise of French companies, their technological skills and their capacity for innovation have helped the French oil and gas services industry to garner international recognition and a leading position among European exporters.

 It is an industry par excellence, with one or more international leaders in the majority of its business areas. Alongside operators the likes of TOTAL, it consists of oil and gas industry equipment and service providers which include world giants such as CGG and Technip. The sector also has two world-renowned research institutes, IFP Energies Nouvelles and IFREMER, and several major engineering firms and contractors.

The French companies will offer solutions that serve the needs of operators: reservoir optimization, reserve development, precision tools for wells and surface units, facility equipment and surveillance systems, environmental protection, and more, a statement said.- TradeArabia News Service