High-profile energy summit in Houston cancelled over coronavirus concerns

Growing coronavirus cases in many countries, including in US where two persons have died from disease, has prompted organisers to cancel one of world's most prestigious annual energy conferences to be held here.

39th CERAWeek energy conference, which brings toger oil ministers and industry executives, was set to be held in Houston from March 9 to 13, with delegates from over 80 countries expected to attend. fast-spreing virus that originated in China in December has killed 3,000 people and infecting more than 88,000 globally. Over 60 cases of infection have been diagsed in US, which recorded its second death from virus on Saturday.

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"In light of growing concerns around COVID-19, we've me difficult decision to cancel CERAWeek 2020 and CWAgora," CERAWeek said a tweet.

organisers said on Sunday y spent several weeks focusing on health and safety of conference attendees and speakers, established a medical partnership with Houston Methodist Hospital and created an extensive protocol. However, IHS Markit, London-based information and insights company and organiser of conference, determined that coronavirus was moving quickly around world.

"We have me this decision reluctantly and after deep consideration. We recognise dedication and importance of CERAWeek community. We thank you for your engment and your commitment to CERAWeek," IHS Markit said in a statement.

An increasing number of companies are setting travel bans and restrictions and a growing concern about larger conferences with people coming from different parts of world, as reasons for conference cancellation, it said.

First held in 1981, CERAWeek has attracted thousands of executives, government officials and thought leers from energy, policy, techlogy, and financial industries to Houston in past. 

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