Dow Chemical highlights role of petrochemicals industry in Middle East growth at 7th MIT Pan-Arab Conference

The event was organized by the MIT Arab Alumni Association (MIT AAA) and co-sponsored by Dow.

The theme of the conference was 'Manufacturing for Jobs, Growth and Diversification' and focused on examining the role of the manufacturing sector in providing employment and economic diversity in the Arab World.

As part of the Company's involvement at the event, senior Dow executives were featured prominently among the Conference's list of distinguished speakers and panel experts.

Jim McIlvenny, senior vice president and chairman of the Dow Sadara Project Office delivered a keynote speech and Dr. Zuhair Allawi, president of Dow Saudi Arabia, participated in the Industry Growth and Performance panel, highlighting Sadara Chemical Company, Dow's joint venture with Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) and the benefits of the Value Park concept.

As part of his keynote, McIlvenny outlined emerging fundamental shifts in the global competitive landscape that are challenging the Middle East's historical feedstock advantage.

He also emphasized the need to leverage the region's strong base of petrochemical knowledge to build downstream facilities, supply value-added products and create manufacturing jobs that, in turn, generate more jobs and propel continued growth. McIlvenny also highlighted the importance of collaboration across companies and countries in a globalized world.

"Our discussions at the MIT Pan-Arab Conference were part of a larger, industry-wide conversation on leveraging the petrochemicals industry's ability to drive economic growth for the benefit of the region and its people," said Dr. Allawi.

"At Dow, we firmly believe in the potential that the Middle East has to offer, as is evident from our growing manufacturing and business footprint. We welcome opportunities, such as this conference, to facilitate dialogue and brainstorm solutions to the rising economic and employment issues facing the Middle East," he added.