Press Releases

WPC: Seventy Years of History and 59 member countries

The World Petroleum Congress—WPC—is a non-profit international organisation that brings 59 countries together, the representatives of the world's major oil producers and consumers. The Congress has for main objectives fostering the responsible management of the world's oil resources for the benefit of mankind, promoting the application of the industry's scientific advances, transfering technology and organising regional meetings. Brazil has been a WPC affiliate since 1979.

Established in 1933, in London, every three years the WPC promotes a forum where sector leaders and government representatives from the world over gather to discuss technology advances and seek new paths leading to sector growth. Throughout its history the WPC has approached a great variety of industry issues, ranging from upstream and production development concerns to downstream operations, but of late great emphasis is being placed on issues related to the administration of the oil business. The Congress last met in Calgary, Canada, in 2000.

Each member country has its own National Committee. Presided by Francisco Gros, Petrobras' CEO, the Brazilian Committee is made up of 13 executives from companies and institutions such as Petrobras, IBP, Ipiranga, Atofina, Repsol YPF and the Ministry of Science and Technology. João Pedro Gouvêa Vieira Filho, CEO Ipiranga, Otto Vicente Perrone, IBP Administration Council member, and Michel Hartveld, Atofina Presiding Director are some of the names currently holding office in the Committee.

Rio de Janeiro, April 9 2002.

For further information, please contact:

Edelman Public Relations Worldwide
Malu Fernandes - malu.fernandes@edelman.com
(+55 21) 2271-3109 / 9306-6988
Vania Santos - vania.santos@edelman.com
(+55 21) 2271-3100 ext. 428 / 9672-2209