Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman described the Arab Gulf countries as a land of opportunities and ambitions, stressing the role of young local talents in building a sustainable future.
The minister was speaking during the inauguration of the 16th session of the annual forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), which is currently held in Riyadh, in the presence of Eng. Saad Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Qatari Energy Affairs, and Badr Al-Mulla, Kuwaiti Minister of Oil.
The conference participants emphasized that the region was in a good position to take advantage of the available opportunities, advanced infrastructure and technological expertise in order to lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
The forum aims to discuss the strategic issues impacting the chemical sector, under the theme “Chemistry in Action, Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
The dialogues at the event will address a range of topics, including net-zero emissions, food security, and capability building, as well as reaching a sustainable future through collaboration.
GPCA Secretary General Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun said this year’s forum was being held amid extraordinary circumstances in the world.
“The chemical industry has set itself an ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050, while continuing to supply the world’s growing needs. This will not be an easy task, but the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf is well positioned to benefit from the transition to clean energy and to grow its investments in the circular economy and develop hydrogen utilization technologies,” he told the meeting.
For his part, Eng. Abdul Rahman Al-Faqih, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GPCA and Acting CEO of SABIC, said that the chemical industry has been able to successfully overcome all the challenges.
He stressed the importance of concerted efforts in order to transform these challenges into opportunities to enable GCC countries to build a sustainable future.
Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, said: “The chemical industry needs to promote and accelerate innovation efforts to develop more effective and sustainable materials at lower costs. Establishing centers for advanced materials here in Saudi Arabia can improve and complement existing programs, and push the boundaries of innovation to new heights through global collaboration.”
