Minister in Charge of Oil and Gas Affairs for Bahrain reconfirms patronage for PETCHEM Arabia

Bahrain is strategically located with a direct causeway connection to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC. With high-level support from both Bahraini and Iraqi ministries, and its relocation to Bahrain, the safe gateway to the Gulf, PETCHEM Arabia is set to provide fresh insight and a new focus for the 2012 edition. Bahrain's diversity and openness, continues to present opportunities to enhance petrochemical advancement in the region.

His Excellency Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, said: "We are delighted to host the seventh annual PETCHEM Arabia conference in Bahrain as the petrochemical sector is rapidly growing in the Middle East. Organisations involved in this sector continue to set up bases in Bahrain as the number of lucrative opportunities to capitalize on increases. The Middle East petrochemical sector is undergoing significant investment. Several industry professionals from leading global organisations are participating at PETCHEM Arabia 2012 and I look forward to participating with such an illustrious group of individuals."

His Excellency pointed out that the conference would focus on various opportunities in the region's petrochemical industry. Topics on the agenda include: the vision for chemicals in the Middle East; which products will offer the biggest margins; challenges facing gas development in the region and the world and its impact on the petrochemical industry; the need to collaborate in the future to develop the region's petrochemical sector and more.

The discussions at the seventh annual PETCHEM Arabia will include the global industry outlook, the impact of shale gas advances for the GCC region, joint ventures, integration, cluster development, supply chain management and the wider regional outlook. It will also highlight means of creating the perfect opportunity for operators in the region to reinforce their position in the market and for key suppliers and service providers to demonstrate new technologies, innovations and solutions.

Representatives from regional and globally renowned organizations that include: Equate Petrochemical Company, Chevron Phillips Chemicals International, Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC), SAS-AIChE, SABIC, National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company, Saudi Aramco, SIPCHEM, TASNEE and more, are confirmed to participate at PETCHEM Arabia 2012, His Excellency added.

Claire Pallen, General Manager, World Refining Association, said: "This unique conference will serve two distinct audiences; those in the Middle East petrochemical industry and those that wish to invest in this sector. PETCHEM Arabia provides a networking platform for government and international operators alike to present their ideas and plans for the petrochemical industry in the GCC region. Industry leaders and decision makers will present their respective views through strategic presentations, panels and roundtable discussions. Furthermore, with hands on site visits to both GPIC and BAPCO, this year's event provides an all-encompassing experience for all attendees."

Running from 30 September to 2 October 2012, PETCHEM Arabia will continue to be held under the patronage of Finance Minister and Minister in charge of Oil and Gas Affairs and Chairman of National Oil and Gas Authority for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, with the full support of the Iraqi Industry and Minerals Deputy Minister, Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Al Ani.