Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by OQ Group, is set to host the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum starting this Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event underscores Oman’s commitment to establishing itself as a pivotal hub for the petrochemical and chemical industries on both regional and global stages.
According to Oman News Agency, Ashraf Hamad Al Mamari, Group CEO of OQ, expressed pride in hosting the GPCA Forum for the first time in the Sultanate. He emphasized that this milestone event reflects Oman’s efforts to strengthen its strategic position in the petrochemical industry. The forum will see participation from more than 43 countries and over 110 regional and global companies.
Al Mamari further articulated the forum’s objectives, highlighting OQ Group’s initiatives in digital transformation and sustainability aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. He also noted the forum’s focus on nurturing young Omani talents, equipping them with
essential skills to drive growth and innovation in the energy and petrochemical sectors.
This year’s forum will welcome several energy ministers, senior executives, and global leaders in the petrochemical and chemical sectors. It serves as a premier platform for discussions on pivotal topics influencing the future of these industries. The 2024 edition will concentrate on sustainability, the future of energy, and how regional players can contribute to global objectives in these domains.
Keynote speeches by energy ministers and GPCA officials will inaugurate the forum, alongside the announcement of the next host country and the presentation of the GPCA Pioneers Award, which celebrates transformative leaders and contributors to the host nation’s energy sector.
The forum’s agenda includes engaging panel discussions that tackle challenges and opportunities within the chemicals industry. Notable sessions will explore topics such as “The Gulf States’ Vision for Achieving the Triad of Growth, Efficiency, and Susta
inability,” “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, significant initiatives will unfold. Notably, the GPCA Startup Nexus in Oman will, for the first time, offer startups specializing in Circular Economy and Climate Action a platform to engage with experts, regional leaders, and global companies, fostering the exchange of innovative solutions and expertise.
The forum will also see the return of SolutionsXchange, following its successful introduction in Qatar. This initiative will promote knowledge sharing and collaboration on technological solutions to address future challenges in the petrochemical industry. Other highlights include the Sustainability Pavilion, GPCA Youth Forum, and more.
OQ’s participation will spotlight its leadership in advancing the petrochemical a
nd chemical sectors both regionally and internationally. The company will showcase its comprehensive expertise across the energy value chain, from raw material extraction to the production of specialized chemicals. OQ will also present its innovative solutions to sector challenges and outline its strategic vision for enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the sector.