JEDDAH: Technological innovation is set to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities in the Middle East's rapidly expanding downstream sector, the organizer of the upcoming Me-Tech 2011 to be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai from Jan. 24-26, 2011. Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, GPCA Secretary General and keynote speaker at Me-Tech 2011, said "we are seeing a rapid increase in the growth of the Middle East downstream sector and as such, the role of Me-Tech is an important one in providing a platform and meeting place for local oil & gas operators to become updated on the key developments in their field as well as meeting the major vendors and technology providers." Downstream service providers and manufacturers expressed confidence about the future of their operations in the region, and have strong belief that the near future will be one of dynamic activity. At the recent 2010 GPCA forum, Khalid al Falih, the chief executive of Saudi Aramco called for significant changes in the GCC's petrochemical industry to usher in a "golden age" of regional economic development and that developing the region's petrochemicals sector "far beyond" the production of basic chemicals was vital. "The demand for cleaner fuels and increasingly strict regulations on refined petroleum products are requiring refiners to adapt to new operating environments. In addition to these pressures, greater use of heavy crude requires innovative technologies," said Me-Tech director Tamimah Dhaher. "Solutions from technology innovations are key to realising greater downstream potential." Supported by the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA), Me-Tech 2011 is on target to sell-out by mid-January, said Colin Chapman, founder and president of European Petroleum Consultants (EPC), the organizer. "We've been inundated by companies wishing to present papers at Middle East Technology Forum (Me-Tech) 2011 and are very pleased at the response from both technology providers and the downstream oil and gas sector to the event," he added. "The challenge for technology companies today is innovation in solutions that help gas processors, refiners and petrochemical companies improve margins and operational excellence and Me-Tech gives innovators and end-users the opportunity to exchange views on cutting edge downstream oil and gas technology solutions. "Finding ways to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities, and in many cases processing heavier feedstock has driven innovation and smart application of improved catalysts and process configurations which help meet these requirements." The event is attracting some of the major players in technology innovation.
