18th Annual GPCA Forum to kick off in Oman Monday

Muscat:The Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, will host the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, which will begin this Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event, spanning several days, highlights Oman’s dedication to cementing its status as a strategic hub for the petrochemical and chemical industries on both regional and global levels.

Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, stated: “OQ Group is proud to host the 18th Annual Forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman. This milestone reflects our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a strategic hub for the petrochemical industry on both regional and global levels. The forum attracts participants from more than 43 countries and includes over 110 regional and global companies.”

He added: “Through this event, we aim to highlight the Group’s ongoing efforts in digital transformation and sustainability, focusing on pioneering initiatives designed to achieve carbon neutrality.

Furthermore, we will emphasise our role in supporting young Omani talents, equipping them with the skills to play a vital role in driving growth and innovation within the energy and petrochemical sectors.”

This year’s forum will feature the participation of several energy ministers, senior executives, and global leaders in the petrochemical and chemical sectors.

As a premier platform for the industry, the GPCA Forum facilitates discussions on key topics shaping the future of petrochemicals and chemicals.

The 2024 edition will focus on sustainability, the future of energy, and how regional countries can contribute to achieving global goals in these areas.

The opening day will include keynote speeches by energy ministers and GPCA officials, the announcement of the next host country, and the presentation of the GPCA Pioneers Award, which honours transformative leaders and contributors to the host nation’s energy sector.

The agenda features engaging panel discussions addressing challenges and opportunities in the chemicals industry. Key sessions include “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.”

On the sidelines of the forum, several notable initiatives will take place. For the first time in the forum’s history, the GPCA Startup Nexus in Oman will provide a platform for startups specialising in Circular Economy and Climate Action to connect with experts, regional leaders, and global companies, facilitating the exchange of innovative solutions and expertise.

Additionally, the second edition of the SolutionsXchange, following its successful debut in Qatar, will return to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration on technological solutions for the petrochemical industry’s future challenges. Other highlights include the Sustainability Pavilion, GPCA Youth Forum, and more.

OQ’s participation in the forum will showcase its leadership in advancing the petrochemical and chemical sectors regionally and internationally. The company will demonstrate its comprehensive expertise across the energy value chain, from raw material extraction to the production of specialised chemicals. OQ will also present its innovative solutions to sector challenges and discuss its strategic vision for enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the sector.