HRH Premier patronises International Downstream Conference/Exhibition

Manama, Oct. 22 (BNA): Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister, the first edition Gulf Downstream Association (GDA)’s International Downstream Conference and Exhibition will be hosted in Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) themed "towards a competitive refining through innovation and technology". The event will be organised by the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) in cooperation with the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), with the support from national, regional, and international companies, on October 23-25 . Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa expressed his sincere appreciation to HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister, for his continuous support to the international conferences that are hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, which confirms the ongoing support from His Royal Highness to the development process in the oil and gas sector in Bahrain. The Minister of Oil praised the existing cooperation between the GDA and other organisations and NOGA in choosing Bahrain to hold their events. The Minister of Oil confirmed the support of the government of Bahrain in attracting and hosting specialised events, in the oil and gas sector. Also, to provide all kinds of facilities and logistics that help the organisers in achieving their strategic objectives. The conference will be marked by the participation of a number of oil and gas ministers in the GCC countries and a large number of national, regional and international oil companies and their deputies. As well as petroleum consulting companies, technology industries, specialists and managers of companies working in the field of petroleum refining, as well as experts interested in the field of refining technology. There will be more than 500 participants from different countries of the world. He said that the first GDA International Downstream Conference and Exhibition will be the first leading strategic platform in the Middle East for refining professionals to meet business challenges, share best practices and launch potential opportunities through cooperation and strategic partnerships. He noted that this conference and the accompanying exhibition aim to engage regional and international stakeholders throughout the business, academia and technology service providers to take advantage of investment, innovation and growth opportunities. He praised the tireless effort made by the GDA Board of Directors and the good efforts made by the Secretary General of the Gulf Union as well as the organisational committee and other subcommittees. The technical papers and discussion sessions of the conference will focus on many topics, along with relevant manufacturing and operational excellence topics that can create added value in the manufacturing industry. The conference will also cover a wide range of key themes, including the themes of integration, cooperation, attracting investment and building a future workforce that is qualified to invest opportunities in the region. This conference and accompanying exhibition will also represent an opportunity to meet with strategic decision makers in the oil industry and global markets and discuss projects in the oil, gas and petrochemical Industries. In addition, the events of the conference and the accompanying exhibition will include major sessions, a number of roundtable discussions, and technical workshops, as well as other accompanying technical events, which will be provided by more than 220 experts in the refining industry from different countries of the world, thus providing an opportunity for the conference participants and exhibition visitors to exchange their innovative ideas and possible solutions to the challenges faced by the refining industry and other related industries. In a related context, this event will host the launch of the GDA events, as well as the Leadership Excellence Award for Women in the Oil and Gas Industry (LEWAS) as well as honouring the winners of the Forum Excellence Awards. The minister stressed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to ensure the successful establishment of these specialised entities on its territory and to provide the necessary support and assistance in order to achieve the strategic objectives of these non-profit professional institutions. As well as the exchange of views on the conditions of the oil and gas market, the provision of communication opportunities and the exchange of information and experience for professionals and interested people and the advancement of the future of the oil and gas sector in the countries of the region. It is noteworthy, that the GDA has an approval from the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in order to enhance the Gulf cooperation in refining and facilitate the process of communication and exchange of knowledge and expertise among industries, institutions and investment bodies in the refining industry and to raise the efficiency of employees in this vital sector. As well as contributing to the process of economic and social development of the GCC countries and enhancing the position of petroleum in the growth of the world economy.