Trade Arabia cited Dr Abdulhussain Mirza energy minister of Bahrain as saying that the Middle East is set to emerge as the world's largest manufacturing centre for petroleum products and petrochemicals.

Dr Mirza said that in the process the region will also overtake major industrial centers like Houston, Rotterdam and Singapore. The several billions of dollars worth of current and planned investment will make this region larger than the major industrial centers.

He said that Bahrain is at the forefront of this investment as well with billions already invested or in the process of being invested in the country's oil and gas sector. The region is more fortunate because company shareholders take a long-term view of the future, rather than look for short term gains.

Dr Mirza said that however, as the world changes around us, our stakeholders will begin to demand a corresponding improvement in their companies' performance. Maintaining competitiveness during such shifts in business dynamics can only be achieved by recognizing the vital essence of strong and fair leadership, addressing the gaps between current leadership practices and those required to succeed in the future and changing the leadership style so that the whole workforce is aligned towards a common goal.

He said that as the countries of the world emerge from the recession and economic woes of the last three years, the leaders of governments, corporate companies, and small businesses will be required to muster every ounce of intellectual capital to clearly define a way forward in a changing world.

He added that as the world moved towards growth and as the centre of economic activity passed from the history of the West to the future of the East it was imperative that leaders who can excel in a complex, global business environment emerged. The key to unlocking this potential is a move away from command and control leadership.

Mr Khalid Al Quod conference chairman and chairman of Prince Event Management said that following the financial crisis which gripped the world's economy from 2008 to 2010, many organizations were now in the process of recovery restoration and rebuilding.

Mr Al Quod said that it is imperative not to lose the lessons learned during those testing times. Much has been learned from leading through crisis management and the event will provide the opportunity for an exchange of knowledge to discover new forms of leadership that will be required to set the right goals, communicate the right ideas and deliver effective results going forward.

He said that the conference is designed to be transformational by challenging the established mindset and aiming to equip attendees with the tools to perform at the top of their ability. It will help delegates become the kind of visionary leaders required at this point in history.

(Sourced from Trade Arabia)