Session Details
Focus on Emerging Markets: Spotlight on Key Markets
Recently, the industry has seen a clear shift to Asia as the center of gravity for future chemical growth & demand. In this context, three regions are crucial, and gaining a deeper understanding is critical as the industry navigates towards the future. China is the largest chemical market both from a supply & demand perspective, India is one of the fastest growth areas, and Saudi Arabia which has a historically advantaged position in petrochemical feedstock is expected to continue, and even grow. In a world where the intertwined nature of economies also underscores the impact of these economies on the larger global economy. In this program, we will engage in a dialogue seeking perspectives from key industry experts and Chemical Market Analytics on developments in these three key regions – whose prospects will be crucial to determining chemical industry performance in the future.
Speakers:
William Chen, Executive Director, Asia Olefins, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
For the past several decades, China has been the growth engine for global growth. However, in recent times, a series of external and internal developments have resulted in slower growth rates. China has struggled with prolonged economic headwinds, and high levels of local government debt limiting infrastructure investment, amid the property sector entering its fourth year of free-fall. Consumer & investor confidence are also under pressure. However, China occupies an outsized role in demand and production in the chemical industry. Its capacity to produce in most chemistries is second to none, its derived demand pull as a manufacturer to the world and its rising domestic market also make it a player to reckon with. This panel will discuss, China’s role & impact looking ahead.
Speakers:
Ashish Pujari, Vice President, Asia Aromatics, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Apart from China, India is the closest emerging market having the scale and size to be a growth engine. However, in the past the promise of India’s potential has often not kept pace with actual performance. Will this time be different? What are the underlying factors that are growth enablers for the Indian economy? What are the underlying risks that can hobble that growth potential? In a year of elections, the Indian election will be the most closely watched one after the US election – in terms of impact geopolitically. How do prospects for the Indian economy look? What will be the impact on chemical growth across the spectrum?
Speakers:
Kaushik Mitra, Executive Director, European Plastics, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The Middle East has for several decades established itself as a build-to-export model based on competitive feedstock in the chemicals industry. Saudi Arabia, as the largest and most significant economy in the region, has always been a model. However, the Saudi economy itself is undergoing a massive change through its Vision 2030 program – which essentially aims at transforming and diversifying the Saudi economy away from an excessive dependence on hydrocarbons. Saudi is positioning itself as an investment destination to attract inward investments, with a proposition based on attractive energy & feedstock, a locational advatnage that spans global trade lanes & a new ease of doing business signaling their openness to attract partnerships and investments across the chemical value chain. What is next in the Saudi context, and how will that impact the chemical industry?
William Chen, Ph.D
Executive Director, Asia Olefins Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioJohn Mathew
Vice President, Business Development Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company
Read BioKaushik Mitra
Executive Director, Europe Plastics & Polymers Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioAshish Pujari
Vice President, Asia Aromatics | Global Polyurethane Feedstocks | Polyester Fibers & Feedstocks | Polyester Stream Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read Bio