The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) hosted a meeting of the Scientific Research and Innovation Committee of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) at its headquarters in Bahrain. GPCA secretary general Dr Abdulwahab Al Saadoun was present.

Chairman of the GPCA’s Scientific Research and Innovation Committee Dr Mu’ayyad bin Issa Al-Qurtas presided over the meeting, attended by 25 of its members, all representatives of its affiliated companies.

Specialists in scientific research from Universities in the region also attended and exchanged views and ideas as well as the Committee’s objectives during the next phase.

The meeting discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation between industrial companies and local universities to localise university research capabilities and to create solutions to industrial problems. Members discussed the possibility of convening a global conference for innovation in the region and supporting means to promote and increase knowledge exchange in research and innovation.

GPIC president Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery said the company was delighted to host meetings that support GPCA objectives and increased efficiency of its committees. He said GPIC is proud to be one of the founders of the GPCA, which is a stable and highly-respected entity among the petrochemical and chemical industry and plays a key role in the formulation of international and regional policies.

Dr Jawahery said companies now attach great importance to the issues of scientific research and innovation. This is why, he added, the GPCA had set up a special Committee for scientific research and innovation to raise awareness of the importance of innovation and activate cooperation between companies.