ABU DHABI: Returning for its eight annual edition, PETCHEM ARABIA 2013 will address all the current challenges and opportunities faced by the GCC region in developing a highly lucrative petrochemical industry.
Organised by The Energy Exchange, PETCHEM ARABIA will be held from 12 ? 15 May 2013 in Abu Dhabi, UAE and for the first time will be co-located with Middle East Downstream Week 2013 reflecting the industry trend towards mega refining and petrochemical integration. The co-location will also provide attendees with over 15 hours of networking and is the only opportunity for stakeholders in the petrochemicals and downstream industries to get comprehensive feedback on competitor plans, successes and challenges.
According to Dubai-Based Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the GCC?s total petrochemicals investments will reach US$250 billion by 2015.
Investments need to be made in enhancing technology to unlock the drive for petrochemicals ? olefins ? to ensure global success and position the Middle East as a key player in the world of olefins.
Day one will have industry leaders evaluate the current levels of R&D and technology investment in the region as compared to other global export markets; showcase the latest technologies and products enabling record olefins enhancements and optimization; demonstrate how to use technology investment to ensure regional job creation to facilitate learning and knowledge transfer in the workforce; and provide strategies to overcome the skills gap to create a leading technology centre in the gulf region.
Experts will review feedstock availability and the shortage of gas in the region, whilst comparing them to the impact that shale gas in the US and China have on the global petrochemical dynamic.
Jinanda Sheth, Portfolio Director, World Refining Association, said: "Building on the success of eight previous editions, PETCHEM ARABIA 2013 will tackle the challenges the petrochemical industry faces head on from the diversification of global energy to technology and catalysts that drive optimal olefins production. Over four days, petrochemical producers, licensors, and technology players will give you honest and open insights into their strategies, future plans, successes and development opportunities to help you make informed business decisions." Day two of PETCHEM ARABIA 2013 will provide significant insights into utilising technologies, advanced catalysts and processes ? MTO process - to drive optimal olefins production.
With the interest for joint ventures (JVs) increasing ? such as the US$1 billion acrylic acid complex project between TASNEE and Dow Chemical Company in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia - experts from India, China and Egypt will convene to showcase their strong global positions in the petrochemicals industry and potential for JVs with other organisations in the GCC region.
Speakers at this year?s PETCHEM ARABIA include: Omar Bahobail, President of Al Waha Petrochemicals Company; Trevor Hutley, General Manager, Product and Technology Development of SIPCHEM; Dr. Rajeev Gautam, CEO of UOP; Olivier Alexandre, Vice President Middle East, TOTAL; Bakheet Al-Rashidi, Deputy Chairman and Deputy Managing Director ? Planning & Local Marketing for KNPC; Anand Sansare, General Manager of Reliance; and more.
PETCHEM Arabia will commence following the AXENS Middle East Seminar on 12 May 2013 that will provide innovative technologies for better competitiveness by tackling future challenges for transportation fuels, new insights in Hydrocracking Catalysts, and producing molecules for the petrochemical markets.
The conference will end with a focus day on human capital and skills. Industry leaders and experts will participate in a panel discussions that will: identify the drivers for the current skills shortage and mapping possible solutions; illustrate the need to build a national or regional workforce to drive holistic growth in the refining and petrochemical sector; address how the GCC educational systems contribute to the future of the region?s workforce security; and display how to locate and retain the management skills needed to successfully grow in a competitive market.
Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.
