BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

It is an honor that after 18 years the World LP Gas Forum returns to the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro, the national capital of the Brazilian Petroleum industry. Every member of the National Organising Committee of the World LP Gas Forum 2009 is excited and committed to the implementation of this Forum, which we hope will be recognized for many years to come as one of the most important events in the history of the World LP Gas Association.

Our quest for success is fueled by many factors and especially the event’s theme “Energising the Future.” It was chosen to position and reinforce the role of LP Gas – a modern, transportable, accessible, reliable and cleaner fuel that can bring many benefits to society.

In our entire continent we see the role of LP Gas evolving and moving away from its limited use as a kitchen gas into its true versatile ability.

One of the reasons that the Latin American market is quickly growing into an abundant LP Gas market is the discovery of broad fields of Natural Gas and Petroleum. This presents our continent with an opportunity and allows it a privileged position, while simultaneously challenging the LP Gas industry. A lot of focus is needed in order to enhance the general
perception of LP Gas as a product for all people in society and at all levels.

The World LP Gas Forum taking place in Rio de Janeiro is timely coinciding with changing perceptions. This shift and LP Gas industry value to the Brazilian society is more notable and amplified because of the Forum. It certainly is the ideal platform to kick-start new ideas and to launch original and dynamic initiatives.

In our country, the significance of LP Gas can be observed through numbers that speak for themselves! In fact approximately 45 million families, serviced regularly, consume more than 30 million, 13 kg cylinders per month. The industry is in fact reaching 100% of Brazilian cities, in addition to the 150 thousand companies that use LP Gas every day. Nowadays, the national demand surpasses 6.7 million tonnes per year.

With 70 years of excellence in Brazil, the Brazilian LP Gas industry is pleased and honored to have this opportunity to host the 2009 World LP Gas Forum in Rio de Janeiro; after all, we have a lot to teach and learn from one another.

Mr. Sergio Bandeira de Mello
President of the NOC