Welcome Letter

Welcome to this special annual publication where we will discuss the challenging economic scenario for Latin America, and the need for companies in the petrochemicals and chemicals industry to be very efficient in their production and logistics value chains.

The quest for competitiveness has done nothing but accelerate with the Covid-19 pandemic, a crisis that has plunged the global economy into recession and has created some asymmetrical developments for the chemicals industry. While demand for cleaning, health, food safety and agriculture-related chemicals has remained strong and even grown significantly in some cases, some other industries, like aviation, automotive and construction, have been deeply hit by the crisis, especially during the second quarter of the year.

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of the chemicals industry on several fronts: first, governments have realized it is an essential activity that feeds other industries, maintaining the minimum operational levels a country may need, even during strict lockdowns. Secondly, it has become apparent that the chemicals industry is key to tackle the virus and assure people’s safety, improving public perception of the industry.

This said, the world’s population continues to be very demanding when it comes to circular economy initiatives. Just as the skies were bright and clear when everyone was forced to stay at home, leaving cars in their garages, society demands clean oceans and rivers that are free of plastic. In this respect, the petrochemicals industry continues to invest strongly in research and innovation, looking at ways to close the loop of the value chain by transforming waste into new raw material.

Now, it is sad that we will not be able to meet in person this year and celebrate APLA’s landmark 40th anniversary, but the APLA Virtual event nonetheless provides an excellent meeting platform for the industry to share knowledge and experience at such critical moment.

Moreover, APLA keeps its commitment to generate top-value information to the industry’s stakeholders in Latin America and globally. In partnership with industry report specialists Global Business Reports, we are proud to present the 2020 edition of our Latin America Petrochemicals and Chemicals executive guide.

This special publication, containing articles, analysis, country factsheets and first-hand exclusive interviews with important players across the value chain, is presented this year in a new digital, interactive and smartphone-friendly version, that is accessible on GBR and APLA websites.

We hope you enjoy the read, as well as the sessions and networking opportunities of APLA Virtual.