Welcome messages
Welcome remarks by the President of the World LP Gas Association
After 24 years in over 20 different countries, the World LP Gas Forum has come to the Gulf, and we are delighted to be able to welcome all delegates and visitors to the city of Doha in Qatar. From the perspective of the LP Gas industry, Qatar is a wonderful destination, not only for its oil and gas heritage but also as a place to meet business contacts from all across the world, or to spend leisure time appreciating unrivalled cultural opportunities.
Doha is fast becoming one of the premier destinations in the Gulf region thanks to its mixture of traditional and contemporary life. Delegates can experience shopping in the old souks, the breathtaking beauty of the Museum of Islamic Art or stroll along the renowned Doha Corniche which connects the vibrant West Bay business district with the historical area of the city.
The LP Gas market in the region is expected to have a significant impact on global LP Gas trade in the coming years. In 2011 the Middle East will surpass North America as the largest LP Gas producing region in the world. The regional demand for LP Gas is also expected to grow with many opportunities expected to emerge in the coming years.
The theme of the World LP Gas Forum this year is “Delivering a Future of Exceptional Energy”. This is very appropriate since, with production of LP Gas reaching 12 million tonnes per year by 2012, Qatar will soon become one of the world’s leading LPG exporting countries, providing clean, modern, Exceptional Energy across the world to fuel the growing demand for sustainable development. Delivering a future of Exceptional Energy requires not only producers, but also traders, shippers, marketers, distributors and a whole range of service providers, all of whom will be present either in the plenary sessions or at the preeminent World LP Gas Exhibition which covers the full spectrum of the LP Gas business.
I would like to thank the sponsors and the national organising committee for their fantastic support in making the 24th World LP Gas Forum in Doha the success that I fully expect it to be, and on behalf of the WLPGA I look forward to welcoming you to Doha.
Ramón de Luis Serrano
President of the World LP Gas Association
Welcome remarks by the Chairman of the National Organising Committee
Dear Delegates,
Assalam Alaikum!
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 24th World LP Gas Forum that will be held in Doha, Qatar this year. The Forum is coming to the GCC for the first time and Tasweeq is truly honoured to support the World LP Gas Association (WLPGA) to host the Forum here. On behalf of Qatar’s Oil & Gas Industry, I welcome you to partake in this prestigious Forum that has attained the reputation of being a foremost voice within the LPG Industry.
Qatar has reached the milestone 77 million tonnes per year target of Liquefied Natural Gas in 2010 and we are now the largest LNG producer in the world. This increase is proportional to an increase in Qatar’s LPG production reaching approximately 12 million tonnes by the end of 2012, making Qatar one of the world’s leading LPG exporting countries.
Under the leadership of the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar has been an advocate of green energy. Qatar is also the largest Gas-to-Liquids producer, and has dramatically increased the GTL capacity over the past couple of years. Tasweeq’s support to the Forum affirms its unwaivering commitment to the global LPG Industry.
With the world facing numerous environmental crises due to rising levels of carbon and global warming, it is becoming increasingly important to create awareness about a cleaner solution – LPG. The Forum, this year, is aptly titled ‘Delivering a Future of Exceptional Energy’ and encourages countries to shift from high carbon producing fuels to LPG.
The Forum is also significant this year, as it focuses on bringing together the Upstream and Downstream markets and Qatar’s strategic geographic location connects us with prime markets such as the Far East and the Indian Sub-Continent. During your visit to the Forum, we are also organising a visit to the Ras Laffan Industrial City. Gas production at Ras Laffan will reach approximately 23 billion cubic feet per day by 2012 and it represents one of the single largest concentrations of capital investment in the world. Ras Laffan is the future of the LNG and LPG business in the Middle East and will play a crucial role in meeting the world’s energy needs for decades to come.
The LPG Industry is set to scale newer heights with countries around the world realising the significance of adopting green energy. The World LP Gas Association has constantly reached out to varied markets in both developed and developing countries, encouraging the shift to LPG. The Association has constantly aimed to bring to the fore the latest developments in the LPG Industry – be it production, distribution or technological advancements.
Once again, Tasweeq and members of the National Organising Committee extend our warmest greetings and welcome you to join us from September 26 through 29, 2011.
Saad A. Al-Kuwari
Chief Executive Officer, Tasweeq
Board Member, WLPGA
Chairman, National Organising Committee