APLA: Globalisation drives co-operation

09 November 1999 17:22  [Source: ICIS news]

PORLAMAR, Venezuela (CNI)--Increasing globalisation in the petrochemical industry is forcing industry leaders worldwide to work together in providing information and opportunities to its players, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) president Urvan Sternfels said here Tuesday.

In an interview with CNI at the 19th Latin American Petrochemical Association (APLA) conference, Sternfels praised the group for its strides in membership and activity.

And, he said, the conference's 20% US representation helps reflect the world's "enhanced interest in the region."

APLA, he said, has done a good job of stimulating and finding new markets in the region.

Overall, though, he warned that Latin American companies need to continue the effort "to operate on a regional basis rather than a national one" if they want to improve their competitiveness.

Sternfels also noted the combined efforts of NPRA and APLA to develop an international petrochemical statistics programme. The programme compiles and distributes statistics such as balance imports, according to Sternfels.

He added that the two trade groups are working on expanding the programme to Europe and Asia and hope to do that in the "next year or so."

NPRA represents a wide range of oil refining and petrochemical companies; its membership is US-based but includes a substantial number of associate member firms from outside the US.

The APLA conference ends Tuesday.

By: Mary Ann Tawasha
+1 713 525 2653

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