GPCA Podcast

The global trade landscape is in flux, with rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting alliances disrupting the chemical industry like never before. For the GCC players, these changes bring both challenges and opportunities, urging them to rethink strategies, explore new partnerships, and adapt to an evolving world order.

In this episode of the GPCA Podcast, we take a deep dive into the latest US tariff policies, retaliatory measures from China and other parts of the world, and their ripple effects across international trade corridors. From supply chain fragmentation to emerging investment flows, we uncover how GCC chemical exporters can navigate volatility and secure long-term resilience.

With expert insights and real-world examples, we analyze the macroeconomic shifts shaping the industry, including geopolitical tensions, evolving compliance frameworks, and the transition toward alternative markets. What are the key levers for GCC chemical producers to stay competitive? How can companies optimize localization efforts and tap into new trade agreements? And where does sustainability fit into this rapidly changing narrative?

Whether you’re an industry professional, policymaker, or investor, this episode equips you with the intelligence to stay ahead of the curve. Join us for an in-depth discussion on trade tensions, supply chain reinvention, and the future of GCC petrochemicals in the new global paradigm.

Guest
Charles Julien, Partner,
White & Case 

Guest
Mariana Santos Moreira,
Thought Leadership Director,
Chemical Market Analytics
by OPIS

Host
Mohamed Zaman
Committees Affairs 
Specialist, GPCA

For more podcasts and the latest insights on the regional chemical markets, visit www.gpca.org.ae/thought-leadership

In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny and digital transformation, the chemical industry is at a crossroads. Trade and supply chain leaders in the GCC region are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, where compliance complexities and supply chain innovations intersect. The rise of digitalization, automation, and AI-driven analytics is redefining efficiency, resilience, and transparency across global chemical supply chains. However, these advancements are occurring against the backdrop of increasing regulatory pressures, including sanctions compliance, financial regulatory risks, and ethical business practices.

In this episode of the GPCA podcast we will hear from two industry experts—one from a major chemical producer and another from a consultancy specializing in compliance, trade regulations, and financial fraud—to explore the intersection of smart supply chain innovations and the evolving compliance landscape.

To explore these trends, they’ll address:

• The new era of chemical supply chains and future-proofing supply chains in the GCC region
• The expanding compliance challenges
• Bridging the gap between smart supply chains and compliance
• Strategies for enhancing transparency and resilience in global supply chains
• The future of smart supply chain innovations in the chemical industry

Guest
Haitham Fouad
Head of Supply Chain, Logistics Procurement and Facility Management – Middle East, BASF

Guest
Mohamed Daoud
Director, Industry Practice Lead, Financial Crime Compliance, Moody's

Host
Noora Mukhtar
Senior Research Specialist, 
GPCA

For more podcasts and the latest insights on the regional chemical markets, visit www.gpca.org.ae/thought-leadership

In today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape, innovation plays a crucial role in molding the future of sectors like
chemicals, particularly through a focus on sustainability and adapting to changing global dynamics. As the
industry increasingly integrates cutting-edge technologies and fosters fresh ideas, it faces the dual challenge of
aligning with global sustainability targets while responding to the heightened demand for socially responsible
business practices. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges as companies seek to evolve and stay
competitive in a rapidly changing market.

To explore these trends, GPCA brings together two leading industry experts, who will delve into the implications
of innovation on the chemical industry’s future. Drawing on their extensive experience, they’ll address:

•The role of innovation in driving sustainability and industry transformation
•The integration of emerging technologies into operations
•Strategies for meeting global sustainability goals
•The growing demand for socially responsible business practices and its impact on the chemical industry

Guest:
Dr. Wolfram Stichert
CEO, hte GmbH

Dr. Holger Bengs
CEO and Managing
Partner, BCNP
Consultants GmbH

Host
Mohamed Zaman
Senior Committees
Affairs Specialist, GPCA

For more podcasts and the latest insights on the regional chemical markets, visit www.gpca.org.ae/thought-leadership

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Ross Baglin, CEO, Interface Polymers Limited, sat down with Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, to share what it means to be shortlisted in the Circular Economy category of the inaugural GPCA Startup Nexus and how the company’s technology is advancing plastics recycling globally. 
In his recent conversation, he covers:
-        Interface Polymers’s contribution to sustainability and the circular economy and what makes the company and its technology so unique
-        The role of entrepreneurship and innovation in providing a solution to the challenges facing the chemical industry 
-        Key challenges and enablers in advancing the circular economy and much more

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Mais Haddadin Finn, Global Sustainability Lead, NexantECA, spoke to Dalal Alhooli, Business Monitoring & Planning Analyst, PIC, and Member of the GPCA Youth Council, about the challenges and opportunities that faced the market in 2024 and how the chemical industry can prepare for a more prosperous and sustainable year ahead.
In this special segment, they discussed:
-        The state of the chemical industry in Europe and globally and key developments that shaped the landscape in 2024
-        How competitive is the recycled plastic market currently and what are some of the barriers to its growth?
-        CBAM and its impact on regional chemical producers – How to prepare for the impending changes? 
-        Predictions for 2025: key trends that will continue to impact the industry 
-        The importance of Diversity and Inclusion, and much more

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Nadja Håkansson, CEO, thyssenkrupp Uhde, met with Hamad Qaed, Field and Supervision Engineer, Bapco Refining, and Member of the GPCA Youth Council, to discuss the importance of innovation and what it means to her, her plans for the company in 2025 and everything in between.
In an insightful conversation, she addressed:
-        What steps can the chemical industry take to accelerate the green transformation and reduce CO2 emissions? 
-        Is investment in technology the "silver bullet" in advancing our net-zero ambitions, or are there other necessary enablers to enact a true sustainable transformation? 
-        The role of collaboration and technology development in our drive to net-zero?
-        2025 business plans and importance of Diversity and Inclusion and much more

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner, Chairman and CEO, Brenntag, sat down with Hamad Qaed, Field and Supervision Engineer, Bapco Refining, and Member of the GPCA Youth Council, to discuss agility and resilience in the chemical distribution industry.

He also covered: 
-The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and how the company adapted to these challenges over the past five years
-The importance of diversification and globalization for the chemical distribution industry
- The challenges and opportunities that underscored the market in 2024
- Predictions for 2025 and the profile of recovery and much more 

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Jai Shroff, Chairman and CEO, UPL, sat down with Dalal Alhooli, Business Monitoring & Planning Analyst, PIC, and Member of the GPCA Youth Council, to discuss food security and sustainable agri-nutrient production. 

In this insightful podcast, he also touched upon: 
- The role of the agri-nutrient sector in addressing demand for food
- What are some of the most pressing challenges facing agri-nutrient producers?
- The role of sustainable agriculture technology in supporting food production
- The importance of education and collaboration in accelerating technology adoption in the agriculture sector
- The role of policymakers and regulation and much more

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Benny Mermans, Chairman, World Plastics Council, sat down with Dalal Alhooli, Business Monitoring & Planning Analyst, PIC, and Member of the GPCA Youth Council, to discuss the INC-5 in Busan and its implications for plastics producers.

He also addressed:
- Key enablers to plastics circularity and addressing plastic waste
- What can stakeholders do today to advance recycling and collaborate more effectively on managing plastic waste?
- Advocacy priorities for the WPC 
- Importance of collaboration 

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Muscat, Oman, Aidin Sadr, Vice President, Corporate Development,
CarbonCapture, sat down with Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, to share what it means to be shortlisted in the Climate Action category of the inaugural GPCA Startup Nexus and how the company is harnessing entrepreneurship and innovation to help abate climate change. 

In this engaging conversation, Aidin touched upon: 
-        The role of entrepreneurship and innovation in providing solutions to the chemical industry 
-        Enablers for growth and innovation in the startup space
-        Challenges and enablers in advancing decarbonization and much more