MANAMA, Sept 30 (KUNA) -- A gathering of Gulf Arab oil refiners in the Bahraini capital Manama represents a strategic point to ratchet up the industry's downstream operations, the chief executive of state-owned Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) said on Tuesday.
The Gulf Downstream Association Conference, sponsored by the Bahrain-based GDA association, is a viable platform allowing oil industry leaders and professionals from around the wider Gulf Arab region the opportunity to build "strategic partnerships" that cater to the needs of the global oil market, Shafi Al-Ajmi told KUNA as the gathering unfolded.
The talks also allow Kuwait the chance to bolster its presence on the regional and international stage, subsequently giving impetus to national plans that aim to keep economic development on an upward trajectory, added the official, highlighting the magnitude of the gathering which brings together a multitude of international oil industry experts, in addition to more than 70 global firms.
On a recent spate of accomplishments that Q8 has seen, the official cited the corporation's award-winning initiative, "Kuwait Sailing for Change," a multi-faceted project that falls under the "sustainability category," and revolves around the notion of boosting "social awareness" about environment conservation efforts.
Established in 1983, Q8 is the refining and marketing wing of state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, as it mainly handles the marketing and refining of oil-based products. (end) kna.nam