15th GPCA Supply Chain Conference Next Week

With digitalization estimated to halve supply chain costs[1] and increase revenue by 10%, the adoption of new technologies is garnering increased investment and attention by local and international supply chain leaders, who continue to face immense pressure from rising supply chain costs, continued geopolitical uncertainty, as well as growing sustainability and customer expectations.

As technological innovations continue to advance, Supply Chain 4.0, is gradually making way to Supply Chain 5.0, which envisions a new generation Cobot system[2], in which humans and AI work seamlessly together, side by side. This highly technically advanced system combines the concepts of sustainability, bioeconomy, and a collaborative environment of technology and human beings that can create a resilient industry and incorporate human social values[3], promising to deliver tremendous benefits not just for business but for society as well. Estimated to generate USD 4.5 trillion[4] in material value opportunities by 2030, supply chain circularity is another key theme to come under the spotlight at this year’s GPCA Supply Chain Conference.

In the morning on Day 1, Khalid Sultan Al-Kuwari, CEO, Q-Chem and Chairman, Supply Chain Committee, GPCA, will welcome delegates to the event, introducing some of the key themes and topics at the sessions this year, and setting the tone for the next two days. He’ll be followed on stage by Dr. Bashar Al Malik, CEO, Saudi Arabia Railways, who’ll discuss the green route to chemical supply chains and how the region can unlock the value of rail transport.

The conversation will continue with a Keynote address on the opportunities to future-proof for growth, resilience and innovation by Dr. Carolin Stumm-Wenk, MD Area Arabian Gulf, Hapag-Lloyd. In a second Keynote address, Saleh Al Shabnan, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Supply Chain & Procurement Society, will address the timely topic of changing geopolitical tides and how the industry can navigate through the challenges. The conference will continue with more practical sessions about sustainability, circular economy, customer- centric innovations and digital disruptions.  

The 5^th GPCA Supply Chain Excellence Awards will take place on the evening of Day 1 when winners will be announced across four categories.

The Vice-Chairman of the GPCA Supply Chain Committee will welcome delegates to the last day of the event, during which speakers will continue to share invaluable insights into supply chain innovations and the role of entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration, driving local content and much more.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “The GCC chemical supply chain continues to contend with forces of unpredictable and disruptive nature. Geopolitical instability, workforce challenges, technological disruptions, growing Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations and customer expectations mean chemical supply chain leaders must act now and recalibrate their strategy in order to be successful in this changing new world.”

He added: “Without a doubt harnessing the power of connectivity, investing in human capital development and innovation, and increasing collaboration with value chain partners will be defining factors in the industry’s next steps. This is why the focus of this year’s GPCA Supply Chain Conference is on technology, the benefits that it can yield, as well as the challenges that it presents, in order to prepare current and future chemical supply chain leaders not only for the hurdles of today, but also for what’s to come next,” he concluded.

To book your place, visit: https://gpca.org.ae/conferences/scc/

About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was established in 2006 to represent the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Today, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the GCC. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing over USD 108 billion worth of products every year.

GPCA supports the petrochemical and chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives aimed at helping member companies to connect, share and advance knowledge, contribute to international dialogue, and become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.

Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from around the world, GPCA manages six working committees – Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care – and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and various other industry reports.

For more information, visit www.gpca.org.ae.

[1] https://www.apty.io/blog/from-procurement-to-profit-digital-adoptions-impact-on-supply-chain-efficiency/

[2] https://www.scmr.com/article/supply_chain_5.0_the_reconciliation_between_humans_and_machines

[3] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Supply-Chain-50-framework-and-concept_fig3_353123541#:~:text=Industry%205.0%20focuses%20on%20concepts,et%20al.%2C%202022).

[4] https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/09/kpmg-future-of-supply-chain-report.pdf