The 43rd Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) was held in Bangkok, the capital of Bangkok, continuing a tradition that began in 1979. Over the years, the seven APIC member associations have fostered a robust partnership, creating a unified community dedicated to advancing the Asian petrochemical sector.
The petrochemical industry is a key driver of modern society, powering industries and improving lives. The theme “Ensuring a Transformed World Prosperity” reflects the commitment to driving economic growth, enhancing quality of life and creating a sustainable future. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to build a prosperous world for generations to come.
Day 1: Chemical Marketing Seminar
APIC 2025 opened with a series of high-level chemical marketing seminars led by top consulting firms such as S&P Global, OPIS, ICIS, Argus, McKinsey and CNCIC. These sessions offered critical insights into the global economic outlook, energy markets, and major developments within the petrochemical industry.
Key topics included:
- Sustainability & Circular Economy: Strong emphasis was placed on the urgent need for sustainability and the transition to a circular economy.
- Market Shifts & Industry Outlook: Experts reviewed changes in supply-demand dynamics and trade flows due to recent capacity expansions, while also exploring long-term trends, societal expectations, and strategies for profitable and sustainable growth.
- U.S. Policy Impacts: The potential implications of a new Trump Administration were explored, including effects on regulation, ESG, trade, and sectoral development.
- Global Transformation & Megatrends: Sessions highlighted the transformative forces reshaping the petrochemical landscape—energy transition, feedstock dynamics, plastic waste management, and innovation.
- Asia Market Focus: Presenters addressed the ongoing challenges in Asia’s petrochemical sector, noting how asset strategies and partnerships may help navigate margin pressures.
- Digitalization in Chemicals: Despite a slow start, digital tools like AI and GenAI are unlocking new efficiencies in sales, manufacturing, and operations—illustrated through real-world examples and use cases.
- China Market Outlook: A detailed analysis covered future drivers of China’s petrochemical market, including policy, capacity trends, circular economy initiatives, and regional/global strategies by Chinese enterprises.
Day 2: Opening Address by Seven Steering Committee Associations and Executive Panel
The second day commenced with opening remarks delivered by the chairmen of the seven APIC Steering Committee associations, reaffirming their unified vision for a redefined and sustainable petrochemical industry. Hosted by the Federation of Thai Industries Petrochemical Industry Club (FTIPC), the session also featured an executive panel discussion that explored high-level strategies for navigating future disruptions and accelerating decarbonisation efforts.
A key highlight was the hand-stamp ceremony, where all seven chairmen symbolically pledged unity and commitment to industry-wide sustainability through a visual display on an LED screen.
Farewell Party: Announcing the Next Host for APIC 2026
At the Farewell Party, a symbolic handover ceremony took place as all seven chairmen were called to the stage, signifying the transition to the next host for APIC 2026. This event highlighted APIC's tradition, and further details about the next conference will be announced soon.
APIC 2025 successfully convened industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities within the petrochemical sector. By focusing on sustainability and collaboration, the conference paved the way for future innovations and advancements in the industry.
