On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) hosted an Aramco Supplier Forum in Houston, Texas. The forum was a great success with more than 140 attendees, both in person and online.
Mr. H. Delano Roosevelt, President and CEO of the USSBC, kicked off the event by describing the first meeting between his grandfather Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and HM King Abdulaziz Bin Saud, which set the stage for the close relationship the two countries have today.
Opening remarks by Nabeel I. AlAfaleg, President and CEO of Aramco Americas.
He then introduced Nabeel I. AlAfaleg, President and CEO of Aramco Americas, who talked about the importance of Aramco’s partnerships with U.S. businesses and addressed win-win opportunities.
Aramco’s growth and transformation offer substantial opportunities for suppliers, manufacturers, and investors in a number of key energy sectors, with a special focus on sustainability and decarbonization products; technology for 3D printing and robotics; industrial applications of steel-plate manufacturing, modular construction, and energy storage; and materials such as nonmetallics and carbon fiber.
Representatives of King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) and the Oilfields Supply Company (OSC) – an anchor tenant of SPARK – also participated in the forum. They presented opportunities for companies to expand their operations by establishing a manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.
Luncheon keynote by the Hon. Dan Brouillette, President of Sempra Infrastructure and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
The Hon. Dan Brouillette, President of Sempra Infrastructure and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, was the keynote speaker during the luncheon. He addressed current trends in the oil and gas industry, innovation and sustainability efforts, and the global energy future. Mr. Brouillette also touched on Sempra’s role in the upcoming 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the importance of natural gas in the global energy economy and its role in helping to combat energy poverty. He also emphasized the need for those working in energy to remain at the forefront to ensure global sustainability – to lean in to investments and technology innovation especially in such sectors as LNG and carbon capture.
Panelists responded to inquiries during the Q&A session. Pictured, from left: Sameer Yousef, Aramco Americas; Nabil Chaachou; SPARK; Adel AlShahrani, Aramco Americas; and Muneeb Kazem, Oilfields Supply Company. Virtually: Majid Almohammed, Saudi Aramco
The forum included an audience Q&A session. Panelists responded to a number of inquiries related to Aramco’s sourcing needs and the process involved in becoming a qualified provider. They also addressed questions related to the SPARK energy hub and support provided to its tenant companies.
If you are interested in partnering with Aramco, SPARK, or Sempra Infrastructure, please reach out to David Callahan at dcallahan@ussaudi.org.
