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

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

The Chicago-based insurance brokerage said the meeting willbring together leading industry figures including Rasheed M AlMaraj, governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and seniorrepresentatives from major insurance and industryorganizations.

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

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

He noted that at the same time, "climate change, pricing andfuture energy policies are still very serious causes of debate andwe hope to provide a valuable forum for companies, the insurancemarkets and regulators to get together and learn from oneanother."

Mr. Al Maraj said, "The insurance sector is becoming anincreasingly important part of Bahrain's financial system. Firmsare attracted to Bahrain by our comprehensive and transparentregulatory framework and use their presence as a hub from which totap the opportunities of the wider Middle East."