Today marks the opening day of the first World Heavy Oil Conference (WHOC) in Beijing.

More than 650 delegates from around the world have gathered at this inaugural event to discuss the future options for and expansion of the heavy oil industry, from exploration to refining and distribution.

Formal opening addresses by Mr. Zheng Hu (Vice President, China National Petroleum Corporation), Mr. Ma Kai (Minister, National Development and Reform Commission, PRC), Mr. Gary Lunn (Minister of Natural Resources, Canada ) and Mr. Greg Melchin (Minister of Energy, Alberta, Canada ) were followed by a short address from Mr. Edmund Daukoru (President, OPEC).

These addresses stressed the truly global nature of heavy oil and the different benefits, challenges and characteristics of working with a developing resource around the world. The mood is upbeat and the event looks certain to deliver some interesting information and debate.

With formalities over, the delegates were given a spectacular performance demonstrating Chinese culture, civilization, legend and art spanning some 5000 years.

The business discussions of the event begin in earnest tomorrow with technical papers following on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Keep checking back for daily bulletins on show highlights.