Media Center
2016-04-17
Delegated by Minister of Energy His Excellency Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Sharyan, the General Secretary of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) opened the ‘Latest Advancements in Refining and Petrochemical Industries Conference’, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain during April 17-19 at Ramee Grand Hotel in Bahrain. The event by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Japan Cooperation Center Petroleum (JCCP), and NOGA, was held with the support of the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) and Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco).
Dr. Al Sharyan made a speech on the occasion, where he welcomed the conference to the Kingdom of Bahrain. He praised the OAPEC General Secretariat and Strategies and Planning Affairs of NOGA for keeping the conference within the Arab context and for focussing on the region’s perceptions, issues and prospects in the interest of the development of refining and petrochemicals industries. He urged participants to work towards developing a common strategic vision, for better coordination and closer dealings between Arab institutions working in related industries such as refining and petrochemicals. He urged the region to link policies to tackle sustainable development issues. He said it was time to study Arab needs in view of the present and future of petrochemical industry. He talked about the latest developments in the field of petrochemicals and the need to recognize the possibilities and Arab efforts to develop the key industry. He said the harmonisation of such efforts would ensure sustainability of growth and lead to prosperity. The General Secretary said the participation of Arab countries and special members at the event showed the cooperation and support between member countries in the development of the Arab oil industry. He said it helped exchange experiences and information and provided training opportunities that would enhance the overall development of oil sector.
Dr. Al Sharyan appreciated OAPEC Secretariat’s decision to hold the event in Bahrain. He said the event shed light on the latest developments and possibilities so as to take advantage of the available opportunities in the region. It increased the use of modern technology, and also efficiency and performance in the refining and petrochemical industry, which was a key industry for the Gulf Arab states.
H.E. Kiyoshi Asako, Japan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr. Eiji Hiraoka Senior Executive Director of Japan Cooperation Centre Petroleum (JCCP), and H.E. Abbas Ali Al Naqi, Secretary General of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) praised, in their speeches at the opening ceremony, the efforts of the Government of Bahrain, represented by NOGA, in providing all support and assistance to attract specialized oil and gas conferences to the country. It contributed to the promotion of scientific and technical capabilities of employees of the vital sector in all GCC countries, he said.
The main themes of the conference included current and future reality of refining and petrochemicals industries, challenges faced, new technologies for maximizing production of petroleum goods, production of cleaner products, trends, and integration between refining and petrochemical industries. In addition, discussions were held on improving performance and profitability in programs, ways to rationalize and improve energy efficiency, corrosion management, improved maintenance operations, strategies to reduce costs, and management of health, safety and environment. Other topics taken up were crude oil challenges, role of research and development to improve performance, successful case studies, and new projects. Participants also went on a field visit to oil companies to see important achievements, future plans and ambitious current projects in the refining industry in Bahrain.
