NU Online News Service, April 15, 3:20 p.m. EDT

Aon announced it will hold its 10th Middle East Energy Insurance Conference April 19-21 in Bahrain.

The Chicago-based insurance brokerage said the meeting will bring together leading industry figures including Rasheed M Al Maraj, governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and senior representatives from major insurance and industry organizations.

Executives from, the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Allianz, Chartis, Validus Group and Zurich Insurance Company will attend, said Aon.

"The energy industry remains on the cusp of recovery and we are starting to see some exciting new projects get back off the ground after several years of mothballing," Magne Selfeflot, chairman, Aon energy said in a statement. "Working on making risks attractive to insurers is going to be key in making sure these and future projects are viable."

He noted that at the same time, "climate change, pricing and future energy policies are still very serious causes of debate and we hope to provide a valuable forum for companies, the insurance markets and regulators to get together and learn from one another."

Mr. Al Maraj said, "The insurance sector is becoming an increasingly important part of Bahrain's financial system. Firms are attracted to Bahrain by our comprehensive and transparent regulatory framework and use their presence as a hub from which to tap the opportunities of the wider Middle East."