Technological innovation to improve operating efficiencies and product qualities in the rapidly expanding downstream sector in the Middle East will a key issue for discussion at the upcoming Middle East Technology Forum (ME-Tech 2011).

The region’s first technology-focussed conference and exhibition for downstream oil and gas sector, ME-Tech will be held in the Johara Conference Suite at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai from January 24 to 26.

It is being organised by European Petroleum Consultants (EPC) with the support of Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA).

“We’ve been inundated by companies wishing to present papers at ME-Tech and are very pleased at the response from both technology providers and the downstream oil and gas sector to the event,” said Colin Chapman, EPC founder and president.

ME-Tech 2011 is on target to sell-out by mid-January, revealed Chapman. "We have reserved 83 per cent of expo space and sold 60 per cent of delegate places," he added.

According to him, the event is attracting some of the major players in technology innovation and the downstream sector to both the exhibition and conference sessions.

Regional heavyweights such as Sabic, Dolphin Energy and Takreer have committed to the event alongside international players such as UOP, Axens and Shell Global Solutions, said Chapman.

'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,' he observed.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, GPCA secretary general and keynote speaker at the event 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,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service