The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has urged global governments and international legislators to work closely together to ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials used for the manufacture of medical and hygiene equipment crucial to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite facing significant supply chain disruptions, the GCC chemical industry has stepped up efforts to safeguard the supply of raw materials for the manufacture of products used to enable the hygiene, testing and treatment of patients affected by the virus alongside personal protective equipment for medical staff. However, trade tariffs imposed before the crisis and in the wake of growing global protectionism since mid-2018, combined with border closures in most countries, make it difficult for raw materials to reach production plants across the world.
GPCA and its members are calling for the reduction of tariffs and the removal of trade barriers and all bureaucratic hurdles so that a steady supply of chemical and petrochemical products used for the manufacture of specialised equipment can be maintained.
Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “The role of the chemical industry in ensuring the steady and reliable supply of vital raw materials and products has never been more pronounced. Removing bureaucratic hurdles will help secure their timely supply.”