At the recent 16th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Supply Chain Conference, emphasis was placed on the urgent need for resilience within the chemical supply chain. Hosted in Dubai, UAE, on 27-28 May, the conference gathered industry leaders under the theme “Building Resilience in a Dynamic Landscape.” The discussions revealed a collective agreement: to navigate the complexities of today’s global market, chemical and petrochemical leaders must embrace innovation, capitalise on digitalisation, and commit to sustainable practices.
Khalid Sultan Al-Kuwari, CEO of Q-Chem and Chairman of the GPCA Supply Chain Committee, reinforced the notion that resilience is not merely about mitigating risks but about transforming disruptions into competitive advantages. He stated, “Resilience is the defining strategy for survival and success,” highlighting the importance of bold leadership and collaboration in uncertain times. This was echoed by numerous speakers throughout the event, illustrating a shift towards viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
A key session featured Dr. Robert de Souza, Executive Director of The Logistics Institute-Asia Pacific at the National University of Singapore, who delved into future-proofing supply chains amid ongoing volatility. He emphasised that agility in response to change is paramount, a sentiment shared by a panel moderated by Arun Bruce, which included senior executives from leading logistics companies. Their dialogue focused on the five key “known unknowns” anticipated to impact the industry by 2025, accentuating the unpredictability of external factors such as economic shifts and policy changes.
The conference also spotlighted technological advancements, with a panel dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence and other tech innovations to strengthen supply chains. This integration of cutting-edge technology was highlighted as essential for enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Participants acknowledged the pressing need for investment in local human capital to bridge skills gaps and ensure that the workforce is equipped to thrive in a digital-first environment.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General of GPCA, commented on the evolving landscape of supply chains, asserting that adaptability and technology-driven transformation are critical for future success. His remarks reflect an industry-wide recognition of the need for strategic partnerships, as emphasised by various conference attendees. Increased transparency and collaboration among stakeholders were deemed crucial to optimise supply chain efficiencies, particularly in the Gulf region.
The conference also celebrated excellence within the industry through the 6th Supply Chain Excellence Awards, recognising innovative and sustainable solutions. Tasnee garnered the Supply Chain Innovation Award for its Robotic Process Automation, while QAFCO received accolades for its Environmental Management System, showcasing a commitment to sustainability within operational practices. Such recognitions serve to highlight the importance of both innovation and a responsible approach to supply chain management.
Past discussions at GPCA conferences have similarly highlighted the intersection of sustainability and resilience. Industry experts stress that future supply chains must align not only with economic goals but also with environmental considerations—an ever-pressing issue given current global challenges such as climate change and pandemic recovery.
In summary, the 16th GPCA Supply Chain Conference underscored a pivotal moment for the chemical industry in the GCC. By fostering innovation, advancing digitalisation, and committing to sustainability, industry leaders are poised to strengthen their supply chains against future uncertainties. The collaborative spirit of the conference emphasised that while challenges abound, so too do opportunities for strategic advancement within this vital sector.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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