Gulf Petrochemical Sector Recovers:

DUBAI, March 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

- GPCA Chairman Sees Growing Role for Association

Economic indicators point to continued recovery for chemical companies in 2010, including a positive development for producers in the Middle East, with global chemical industry output forecast to increase 4.6%, offsetting a 4.6% contraction in 2009, Mr Mohammed Al Mady, Chairman of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) and CEO and Vice Chairman of SABIC, told the 3rd Annual General Meeting of GPCA on March 18 in Dubai.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100324/383574 )

Mr. Al Mady expressed confidence that the recent crisis was over for the industry, citing data from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) which pointed to chemical industry production growth averaging 3.7% across the Middle East, including 6.3% in Saudi Arabia 3.4% in UAE, 3.2% in Kuwait and 7.4% in Qatar.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 34 member companies and Mr. Al Mady briefed members about the activities of GPCA over the past year, plus future plans.

The Association has taken a significant step forward with its plans for introducing Responsible Care - an initiative of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)- and board members endorsed the programme, following a detailed study. GPCA believes that petrochemical and chemical producers in the region will see significant benefit from pursuing this important initiative and communicating their commitment to the wider community.

"We have continued our growth trajectory in various spheres. Our revenues have risen by over 39% in 2009. We now have six working committees looking at common issues in the areas of: Human Resources; Plastics; Supply Chain; Responsible Care; Advocacy; and Fertilisers," Mr Al Mady said, the latter two being the latest additions.

During 2009, GPCA conducted sixteen workshops on various important topics. "We started events catering to the Fertiliser; Supply Chain; and Safety, Health and Environment segments," Mr Al Mady said, adding: "We had over a thousand delegates at our Fourth Annual Forum last December, despite the challenging economic environment. We continued the dissemination of information and news about our industry through our directory, newsletter and website."

He continued: "Today GPCA's membership stands at 135 members and we hope to grow this number further by offering even more value-added services to companies. Looking at the future we would like to grow our portfolio of events catering to various segments of the petrochemicals and chemicals industry. We will be holding the First GPCA Plastics Summit in Dubai, June 14th to 16th, the second GPCA Fertilisers Seminar, September 29th to 30th, and having the second edition of our Supply Chain event from October 18th to 20th, in Bahrain."

GPCA will also be hosting the annual meeting of the Responsible Care Leadership Group from September 21st to 23rd, where representatives from over 50 countries are expected to attend. Events this year will culminate with GPCA's flagship Annual Forum, in Dubai from December 7th to 9th.

"Our committees will continue to address important issues facing our industry through dialogue and workshops. From this year we have decided that Board Members will head the various committees. This will ensure high level involvement and direction for the activities. Given the expanding role of the association, we are moving to larger premises and engaging more resources later this year. This will enable us to serve our members better.

"As we come out of the downturn, I believe the Association will be a catalyst in sharing best practice, and collating and disseminating industry data. With expanding regional production capacities coming on-stream, our association is also gearing up to support the industry in meeting its aspirations."

About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association

Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the first such industry association in the Middle East, has grown from strength to strength since its inception in March 2006, steering the regional industry towards a whole new era of co-operation. As the regions' Petrochemicals and Chemicals Industry's representative body, GPCA aims to enhance the role of the region in international debate and policy making to facilitate regional co-operation, and to ensure that growth is both sustainable and socially responsible. GPCA's mission is to offer its members networking opportunities through various platforms to meet and share knowledge; exchange insights and expertise and advocate the development, growth and prosperity of the petrochemicals and chemicals industry and related businesses in the Gulf. Additional information is available at http://www.gpca.org.ae.

    For more information, please contact:
    GPCA
    Gaurav Paul
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +971-4-3217444
    E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association