International Petrochemical Conference Opens With Growth Forecast

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "For the world's petrochemical producers, the overall progress toward economic recovery brings a renewed demand for products and signals revitalized prospects for growth," Charles T. Drevna, the president of NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, told the association's 36th International Petrochemical Conference here today.

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Nearly 2,800 people working in the petrochemical sector in 45 nations are attending the IPC, which is the world's largest petrochemical conference. The meeting runs through Tuesday afternoon.

"In the United States, prospects for growth and development are strengthened by the potential additional supply of tremendous natural resources right in our own back yard," Drevna said. "The natural gas reserves of the Marcellus Shale formation in the northeastern U.S., the Texas Eagle Ford reserves and the Rocky Mountain formations could sustain and grow not just the petrochemical industry, but manufacturing in general and the American economy as a whole – if they're developed properly."  

"It's important to remember, too, that these opportunities are not just good for our businesses and our industry – they are also good for consumers, our society and our way of living," Drevna added.  

NPRA Petrochemical Committee Chairman Jeff Ramsey, who is senior vice president for refining and chemicals marketing at Flint Hills Resources, also spoke at the opening session.  Honn Tudor, senior manager commercial at Total Petrochemicals, is presiding over the conference.

Outside speakers at the IPC include: Brian Habacivch, senior vice president of Fellon-McCord, an energy consulting and management company; and Fox Business anchor John Stossel.

The IPC features discussions of key governmental, economic and environmental issues affecting petrochemical manufacturing.

SOURCE National Petrochemical & Refiners Association