The Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA), the body set up earlier in the year to promote the role of the industry in the region, is to expand its membership.

'We will be sending out invitations during the next two weeks,' said GPCA secretary-general Abdullah al-Hagbani in his keynote presentation at the MEED Gulf Petrochemicals conference in Bahrain on 5 June. 'Any company, such as banks, producers and logistics providers, which are involved in the sector, can join.'

Full membership will be restricted to regional petrochemical producers with capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes a year (t/y). Non-regional producers, producers with less than 100,000 t/y of production, and service companies will be able to apply for associatemembership.

Members will be able to sit on committees set up to discuss various issues such as logistics, the environment, human resources and technology.

The GPCA has no commercial role, and the exchange of data and commercial information is not permitted.

'It's an excellent networking opportunity,' said Al-Hagbani. 'Members can exchange opinions, share knowledge and experience and advocate the growth, development and prosperity of the industry in the Gulf.'

GPCA was set up in early March. Its eight founder members are Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge), Equate Petrochemical Company and Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), both of Kuwait, Bahrain's Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC), Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) and Saudi Arabia's Tasnee Petrochemicals and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic). Sabic vice-chairman and chief executive officer Mohammed al-Mady is the association's chairman (see Last Word; MEED 3:3:06).