Sipchem - Argus Petrochemical Forum 2025

Sipchem and Argus will host our fourth joint event in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The focus this year will be on the changing petrochemical markets, geopolitics and Sipchem’s latest chemical developments.

The forum will also address global petrochemical market movers including macroeconomic headwinds, challenges in supply chains, and outlooks on feedstocks, methanol and polyolefins.

The agenda and speakers for this exclusive gathering can be found below. Please fill in the form to confirm your registration for the event.

When: Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Timings: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Technology and Innovation Center, Dhahran Techno Valley, Saudi Arabia

Click here for Agenda>>

Registrations are now closed!

Agenda

9.00AM – 9.10AM | Keynote Address

Shahrin Ismaiyatim, Subject Matter Expert (SME), Sipchem

9.10AM – 9.15AM | Welcome Address

Chuck Venezia, SVP, Petrochemicals

9.15AM – 9.40AM

Saudi Arabia's Carbon Market: A Path to Net Zero

Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani, General Manager, Marketing, Sipchem

Overview of Saudi Arabia's GHG emissions and climate commitments.
Key initiatives under SGI and MENA Green Initiative.
Role of Saudi Voluntary Carbon Market in the GCC.
Future outlook on carbon taxation and trading schemes.

9.40AM – 10.00AM

Global impact of a Trump presidency on petrochemical markets

Chuck Venezia, SVP, Petrochemicals, Argus

Macroeconomic conditions – how will interest rates and inflation change in this new era?
Trade tariffs on China – how will petrochemical trade-flows change?
Drill baby drill – will we see more oil production from the US or are there more factors to consider?
Short-term outlook: opportunities and challenges in petrochemicals
Current petrochemical slowdown – is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

10.00AM – 10.15AM | Q&A

10.15AM – 10.45AM | Break

10.45AM – 11.05AM

Global Polypropylene Overview: Examining new supplies and long-term opportunities

Matthew Rajendra, Chemicals Business Development Manager, Asia and Middle East, Argus

Global PP and feedstock market outlook
New supplies – will all new capacities really come online?
Key demand hubs and silver linings in the current market – a look at India and other developing markets
Short-term outlook: opportunities and challenges in PP
The future of PP: exploring new opportunities for PP demand

11.05AM – 11.15AM | Q&A

11.15AM – 11.45AM

Changing tides in Asian methanol markets

Becky Zhang, Lead Methanol Consultant, Argus

Asian methanol market overview, supply and demand analysis
China spotlight: Key trends and market movers
Short-term outlook: opportunities and challenges in PP
Adoption of methanol as a shipping fuel alternative
Developments in low carbon methanol

11.45AM – 11.55AM | Q&A

11.55AM – 12.00 | Closing Address

Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani, General Manager, Marketing

12 Noon -1.00PM | Lunch

Speakers

Chuck Venezia

Chuck has over 30 years’ experience in the chemicals industry. Prior to moving into a global leadership role, he led Argus DeWitt’s Benzene & Derivatives service. He joined DeWitt & Company in 2002 from CheMatch where he served as Executive Director, Latin America of the online trading platform for bulk petrochemicals.

Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani

General Manager for Sipchem Marketing Company, and he brings a commercial experience of more than 22 years in Commercial. Mr. Abdulaziz has taken various management/senior roles in various Petrochemical Companies; SABIC, SADARA, Chemanol, and is a member of the International Trade Committee at GPCA.

Becky Zhang

Becky is Argus’ Lead Methanol consultant. She has 10 years of experience of real-time market editor work. She also spent two years in consulting services as a project manager focusing on the Chinese market and led projects in various industries, including refining, olefins, polymers, coal and methanol.

Matthew Rajendra

Matthew Rajendra handles Business Development for Chemicals at Argus in Asia and the Middle East. He has extensive experience in presenting at international conferences, training sessions for industry players and online webinars. Matthew previously handled polymers for the Asia and Middle East as a Senior Reporter at Argus.

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Shahrin Ismaiyatim

Shahrin Ismaiyatim is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) at Sipchem, leveraging his extensive experience in strategic marketing and global chemical sales to provide key insights and market intelligence. In his current role, Shahrin supports Sipchem’s strategic initiatives by offering expert guidance on market trends, sales strategies, and business development opportunities.