JEDDAH — The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) held a workshop in Hong Kong to focus on the Future of Energy Demand for Freight Movement and explore the long-term markets for the Kingdom’s oil exports.

The workshop has gathered 30 energy economics experts to share and discuss their insights of the impact of major international economic undertakings, such as the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, and potential impacts on future demand for fuel and energy in developing economies.

The discussion also covered other key issues such as challenges of sourcing reliable data in developing countries, modeling fast changing economies and key factors shaping the movement of freight in Asia, however, the participants have shared insights and perspectives into future energy demand for freight transportation – one of the major drivers of diesel demand in the long term.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Saudi government and energy international organizations such as king Abdulaziz University, International Energy Agency, International Transport Forum, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US China Green Energy Council, China Academy of Railway Science,the Energy Research Institute (ERI) of the NDRC and Tsinghua University.

KAPSARC is dedicated to research into energy economics, policy, technology and the environment, across all types of energy. The Center is focused on finding solutions for the most effective and productive use of energy, creating added value that contributes to the welfare of both energy exporting and consuming societies. As the case for all its workshops, a summary of key discussion points, insights and recommendations will be posted at the Center’s website www.kapsarc.org. — SG