Economy Secretary Keith Brown will visit Aberdeen next week as part of Oil and Gas UK’s annual conference.
The Scottish Government minister is one of the key-note speakers at the trade event Open for Business.
Other speakers will include Oil and Gas UK’s chief executive, Deirdre Michie, Stephen Halliday, group president of Wood Mackenzie, Verisk Maplecroft and 3E Company, and Nora Senior, current president of the British Chambers of Commerce and chairwoman of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Speaking before the event at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Mr Brown said: “Along with the industry, the Scottish Government believes that there can still be a positive future for the sector – clearly referenced by Oil and Gas UK’s conference declaring the UKCS ‘Open for Business’.
“The North Sea oil and gas industry still has a huge potential – with up to 20 billion barrels of oil still to be recovered.
“However this remains a difficult time for the industry and the workforce, important steps are underway to adapt to the current low oil price environment.
“The Scottish Government recognises the need for collaborative action and is engaging closely with the industry, trade unions and regulator to overcome the current challenges and secure a long term future for the sector.
“The Energy Jobs Taskforce is also working with industry partners to help the supply chain react to the current challenges in the industry – as this is crucial to ensuring the sector comes through the challenges it faces.”
Ms Michie added: “We are delighted that Mr Brown is addressing our conference.
“We welcome the support of the Cabinet Secretary and the Scottish Government for our industry as we continue to manage our way through this downturn so that we can emerge in a more robust, resilient and competitive shape.”
