The Energy Exchange has announced that Hasan Murat Mercan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources for Turkey and Dr. Ibrahim Bahr Alolom, Former Minister, Ministry of Oil for Iraq are confirmed to participate at the third annual Iraq Future Energy 2012, held in Istanbul, Turkey from 17 -20 September 2012. Turkey has ambitions in securing a position of being a regional energy hub given the series of natural gas pipelines planned for the region. Increasing trade and building relations in Iraq is one of the main areas of focus by the Turkish government. Turkish officials understand the significance in forming a strategic alliance with Iraq and are showing great support for Iraq Future Energy 2012. Hasan Murat Mercan stated: “We are proud that Iraq Future Energy returns to Istanbul for a third year to provide a forum for crucial discussions around the Iraqi energy industry. We welcome all attendees to the beautiful city of Istanbul and I look forward to meeting you at the event.” Iraq has announced its goal of reaching a target production capacity of almost 12 million barrels per day by 2017. From gulftoday