With Disruptions Set to Continue, Strategic Value Chain Partnerships are Essential for a Sustainable Future, Agree Speakers at 15 th GPCA Supply Chain Conference
The 15th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Supply Chain Conference concluded on May 16, 2024, at the Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai, with industry leaders emphasizing the importance of strategic value chain partnerships in ensuring a resilient and sustainable future amidst global and regional disruptions.
Themed “Harnessing Connectivity for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the prestigious annual conference hosted 320 delegates from 114 companies across 17 countries, addressing critical themes shaping GCC chemical supply chains.
Khalid Sultan Al-Kuwari, CEO of Q-Chem and Chairman of the Supply Chain Committee, GPCA, welcomed delegates on Day 1, highlighting the potential of digitally enabled supply chain ecosystems to provide a comprehensive view of the entire chain from sourcing to customer delivery, thus facilitating the identification and elimination of inefficiencies contributing to environmental waste.
Dr. Bashar Al Malik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), underscored the role of rail transportation in enabling greener supply chains during his Plenary address on Day 1, citing SAR's efforts in reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact through efficient rail operations.
Dr. Carolin Stumm-Wenk, MD Area Arabian Gulf, Hapag-Lloyd, and Saleh Al Shabnan, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Supply Chain & Procurement Society, emphasized the need for future-proofing chemical supply chains for growth, resilience, and innovation in their keynote addresses.
On Day 2, Saleh Al-Suwaiti, CEO of FAHSS-TUV and Vice-Chairman of the Supply Chain Committee, GPCA, highlighted the importance of local content development and its impact on GDP, amid significant disruptions caused by global events such as regional conflicts, virus outbreaks, climate change, and banking crises.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA, emphasized the need for investment in logistics infrastructure, digitalization, and optimization to enhance supply chain agility. He called for regulatory reforms to simplify customs procedures, implement trade facilitation measures, and address Scope 3 emissions, while advocating for investment in low-emission maritime fuels and renewable energy sources.
