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Next week's 2nd GPCA plastics summit to attract global industry executives

Gulf region is center of gravity for plastics production says Secretary General

March 31^th 2011. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In the run up to the Second GPCA Plastics Summit, Dr. Abdul Wahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of the GPCA has shared some fascinating statistics. According to him, "the Gulf region has become the center of gravity in regards to producing and exporting the plastics raw material. It is expected that by 2015 the production in this region of the polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and polystyrene will double to reach more than 23.6 Million tons in comparison to last year's figure of 13.5 Million tons, a staggering 75% increase."

Bearing these figures in mind, this landmark event taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City on April 4-6 2011 is expected to attract more than 400 manufacturers, representatives of plastic raw material companies as well as experts and executives in the regional and global plastics industry.

"The Plastics Summit is a platform for knowledge sharing and best practices exchanging that will support GPCA 's objectives. These objectives aim to provide a stimulating conducive environment for further growth in the plastics conversion industry and more job opportunities for citizens," added Dr. Sadoun.

Industry experts who will be sharing their insight and expertise include Moayyed Al'Qurtas, Vice Chairman and CEO of Tasnee , who will be giving the welcoming address on Day 1. This will be followed by the keynote address, which will be delivered by Ziad Labban, President and CEO of Petro Rabigh . Labban will discuss the inspirational role that technology has played in the plastics industry, and how technological advancements will support the GCC plastic industry's growth. The two-day summit will see 16 papers presented by prominent speakers and executive representatives from regional and international organizations. Regional speakers will represent Rabigh, Borouge, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Dow Chemical and Envoik.

The program for the first day of the Plastics Summit will be broken down into three different yet interconnected sessions. The first session will focus on ways in which the Gulf can grow toward becoming a powerhouse in plastics production. The second session will focus on emerging trends and new opportunities in the Gulf. Among the prominent speakers in this session is Mr. Rashid Al Shamsi, Vice President, ADBIC of Abu Dhabi, presenting the development of his company's specialized 'Polymer Park'. The third, and final, session for the day will be dedicated to papers addressing the topic of plastic waste management. Laurence Jones, Vice President of Corporate Support at Borouge will spearhead a discussion on industry-wide cooperation as a tool for sustainable solutions to plastics recycling.

"As part of our commitment to sustaining the environment, the GPCA will aggressively promote comprehensive science-based policies and enforcement of existing laws to prevent litter; and enhance opportunities to recover plastic products for recycling and energy recovery," said Dr. Sadoun.

"The Gulf region has witnessed significant expansion in plastics production over a short period of time. This growth brings with it diversity in the products portfolio, where a number of new products are planned for the next five years. These new products will stimulate the development of new downstream industries in the region leading to more job opportunities and an enhancement of the industry's socio-economic benefits," he added.

The second day of the Plastics Summit will be dedicated to innovation and technologies in the plastics conversion industry, focusing on success stories from regional converters. The second day will be broken down into two sessions, the first of which will be centered on extrusion and plastic molding techniques. Hana Saad, VP at Napco Group will kick-start the day highliting development in the flexible films industry. Mostafa Mehrabani, Vice President at Obeikan Investment Group, will share further knowledge of new packaging concepts. This will be followed by a presentation from Abu Dhabi-based Xceed, focusing on its project for geo-textiles high-tech manufacturing.

"Innovation in the Gulf's plastics conversion industry is considered an essential requirement in order to make it more competitive to meet the needs of regional and global markets. As a result the GPCA is using this Summit as a platform to launch the "GPCA Plastics Innovations Award 2011" to honor the companies and individuals who have innovative and creative impact that add a boost to the industry and promote best practices," concluded Dr. Sadoun.

The GPCA has outlined four categories of awards. Category I, 'Plastic Products', analyzes packaging, consumer goods, construction and agricultural plastic products. Category II, 'Processing and Conversion', will determine excellence in processing, manufacturing and recipes. Category III, 'Plastics and Environment', assesses the environmental footprint of each plastic good. Lastly, Category IV awards the individual or group who has made extraordinary achievements in plastics and plastics conversion. The GPCA has received more than 25 nominations from various plastics companies and producers, with the shortlist being announced in the coming days. The winners will be felicitated on the 5^th of April 2011 at a special awards ceremony.

-Ends-

About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association ( GPCA ) is the first such association to represent the interests of the industry in the Middle East and it has brought a major dimension to its task by creating both a forum for discussion and a place where likeminded people can meet and share concepts and ideas. Since its inception in March 2006, the GPCA has earned the enviable reputation for steering the regional industry towards a whole new level of co-operation and raising the standard in terms of common ground interests.

As the regions' Petrochemicals and Chemicals Industry's most respected representative body, GPCA will continue its efforts to enhance the role of the region in international debate and policy making while always ensuring that its doors are always open to its members and it acts as a catalyst for focusing attention on matters on issues relevant to the industry.

GPCA 's mission is singular and specific in that it intends to support the growth and sustainable development of the petrochemical and chemical industries in the Gulf in partnership with its members and stakeholders and be both a sounding board and a meeting point for debate and discussion. Additional information is available at www.gpca.org.ae

Contact:
Dima Al-Horani
Communications and Marketing Officer
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association
P. O. Box 123055,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
T: + 9714 451 0666 - Ext 109
E: dima@gpca.org.ae

© Press Release 2011