IRNA reported that the first gas technology and related industry exhibition dubbed as "GasTex 2008" has opened at Mashhad in Iran.

Mr Mohammad Seyyedi MD of Mashhad International Fair said that "Considering Iran's second position after Russia as the biggest gas producer in the world, Iran has a special stance in the energy market. In recent months demand for buying Iran's gas has increased by different countries." He added that the aim of holding such an exhibition is to present the abilities and potentials in this field.

45 domestic and foreign firms have participated in the fair and delegations from Cameroon and Turkey by visiting the exhibition got acquainted with Iranian experts’ abilities.

Mr Seyyedi further added that "Main fields of activities in the fair are discovery, production, refinery, technical and engineering services, automation, security, gas transfer and distribution, public contracting, equipment and machinery, pipes, joints and other activities related to the gas projects."

The exhibition continues till March 4th 2008.