Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, is set to host the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, commencing this Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This multi-day event underscores Oman’s commitment to solidifying its role as a pivotal center for the petrochemical and chemical sectors on both a regional and global scale.
Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, remarked: “OQ Group is honored to host the 18th Annual Forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman. This significant occasion demonstrates our dedication to enhancing Oman’s standing as a key hub for the petrochemical industry at both regional and global levels. The forum will bring together participants from over 43 countries and includes more than 110 regional and global firms."
He continued: “This event serves to showcase the Group's continuous endeavors in digital transformation and sustainability, with a particular focus on innovative initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Moreover, we will highlight our commitment to nurturing young Omani talents, providing them with the necessary skills to contribute significantly to the growth and innovation in the energy and petrochemical industries."
This year's forum will see the involvement of numerous energy ministers, senior executives, and global leaders from the petrochemical and chemical fields.
As a leading platform for the industry, the GPCA Forum encourages discussions on vital topics influencing the future of petrochemicals and chemicals. The 2024 edition will concentrate on sustainability, the future of energy, and how regional nations can aid in reaching global objectives in these fields.
The opening day will feature keynote addresses from energy ministers and GPCA officials, the announcement of the next host country, and the presentation of the GPCA Pioneers Award, which recognizes transformative leaders and contributors to the host nation’s energy sector.
The schedule includes engaging panel discussions that tackle challenges and opportunities within the chemicals industry. Notable sessions will cover "The Gulf States’ Vision for Achieving the Triad of Growth, Efficiency, and Sustainability," "Addressing Global Food Security Challenges: Sustainable Solutions from the Agri-Nutrients Sector," "Energy Transitions and Security," "Geopolitical Impacts on the Chemicals Sector," and "Driving Innovation for Resilience and Efficiency in Chemicals."
Alongside the forum, numerous significant initiatives are set to occur. For the very first time in the forum's history, the GPCA Startup Nexus in Oman will serve as a venue for startups focused on Circular Economy and Climate Action to engage with experts, regional leaders, and international companies, promoting the sharing of innovative ideas and knowledge.
Moreover, the second iteration of the SolutionsXchange, building on its successful launch in Qatar, will make a return to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration on technological advancements aimed at addressing the future challenges of the petrochemical industry. Additional key features include the Sustainability Pavilion, the GPCA Youth Forum, and more.
OQ's involvement in the forum will highlight its role as a leader in the advancement of the petrochemical and chemical industries both regionally and globally. The company will showcase its extensive expertise throughout the energy value chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing of specialized chemicals. OQ will also introduce its innovative approaches to addressing sector challenges and outline its strategic vision for improving sustainability and efficiency within the industry.