Players in the Middle East can no longer isolate themselves from developments in the West. Understanding global trade patterns has gained paramount importance.

The experimental tools we have used for decades go back to tools for studying the surface of crystals or amorphous materials, ascribing the surfaces to catalytic activities, selectivity and of course kinetics.

The Iranian refining industry is going through major change. A massive investment program to meet the increasing local demand runs parallel with the drive to privatize the industry and increase private equity involvement.

We see other trends to mitigate this shortage and reduce exposure to global energy uncertainty which are now emerging and are becoming increasingly more significant in the development of energy policy and planning of both National Governments and the Energy Industry alike.