Aberdeen City Council has announced it plans to bid to host the World Energy Cities Partnership, as part of a range of inward investment priorities for 2018/19.

The plans were approved by councillors when the City Growth and Resources Committee.

In addition to agreeing to put Aberdeen forward as a potential venue for the prestigious World Energy Cities Partnership event, which attracts influential delegates from across the globe, members agreed to prioritise the following markets: Canada, China, Colombia, Guyana, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Mexico, Qatar, South Korea, USA.

Consideration is also being given to opportunities to develop closer relationships with Chile, Indonesia, Myanmar and Tanzania.

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The 2018/19 inward investment programme will begin with representation at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston next month.

Cllr Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Convener of the City Growth and Resources Committee, said: "We're determined to continue pushing Aberdeen forward on the global stage and there is a comprehensive plan around inward investment.

"Aberdeen City Council is a partner in a number of key initiatives in Europe and worldwide, with the World Energy Cities Partnership a prominent example. By bidding to host the AGM, subject to that bid meeting cost stipulations, we're showing our support and at the same time aiming to provide an excellent platform to showcase Aberdeen to an important audience.

"Expanding opportunities for the city's companies in overseas markets is vital to our wider economic strategy and we are committed to continuing the great work that has already been done, particularly in establishing memoranda of understanding with five key cities. We expect that number will grow in the year ahead."

The bid for the World Energy Cities Partnership AGM must be submitted by 1 June, with a decision due to be made at this year's meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October.