Speakers:
Avi Salzman, Senior Writer, Barrons
Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator and Deputy Economics Editor, The Wall Street Journal

Sudipta Bhattacharya, CEO, Adani Group

Through a dialogue with key chemical industry leaders from different regions globally, hear unique perspectives on regional insights and trends, that impact your business. What are the regional opportunities and challenges that companies have to contend with? How do these conflate with the realities of competing globally? How are companies in the region planning their strategies? Who will be the winners and losers?

Maximillian Grasserbauer, Senior Vice President Circular Economy, OMV

The chemical industry is facing several transformational challenges that lurk uncomfortably on the horizon. Decarbonization & Plastics Recycling are two of the major themes that the industry is under significant pressure to address. The lack of regulatory maturity that underpins the economic investment justification on both fronts is a challenge. In its absence, a first-mover position is a risk that several industry players seem, unwilling to dive into with full commitment. However, the pressure on industry and government seems to be increasing. How can the industry chart pathways to address these challenges effectively?

Speakers to be announced

Post the 2008 financial crisis, the external geopolitical environment has changed significantly, impacting the rules-based trade order, that we were accustomed to for the past 70 years. The emergence of new powers willing to pursue their interests selectively is reflected in the increasing number of bilateral & plurilateral trade agreements – in some ways undermining the existing WTO based order. The higher number of ‘hot conflict zones’ and its impact on energy & chemicals supply chains, and the prospect of an escalating trade rivalry between the West & China are aspects that a chemical strategic planner will need to consider. How will these affect energy & chemical trade & investments globally?

Speakers:
David Badal, Managing Director and Head of Global Chemicals, Morgan Stanley
R Balaji, Chief Industry Advisor, Global Manufacturing and Co-Lead, IFC Green Hydrogen Hub, International Finance Corporation

The financial sector is a crucial partner to the chemical sector – whether it is project financing or working capital financing. The chemical industry has historically performed above the equity market over the long term. Is that paradigm still valid? With seminal changes such as the energy transition and circularity pressures on the horizon, what are the prospects for the chemical industry from an investment perspective? As the center of gravity of demand increasingly shifts to Asia, and an increasingly polarised trade environment is likely, how will chemical investments be impacted? Join us for a discussion with eminent experts from the financial sector.