OREANDA-NEWS. Orpic held its 3rd annual Supplier Symposium at the Majan Hall, Sohar. Well over 900 delegates attended the event representing local, regional and international companies, reflecting the exciting growth this year of the 3rd version of the event.

The symposium aims at fostering relations with existing and potential suppliers. It provides an ideal channel for those suppliers to learn more about the business opportunities available with Orpic in a transparent and fair manner and came this year under the theme "Creating Business Networks", a nod to the fact that the event has become an acknowledged meeting place for the supplier segment.

"We hope that this forum will not only provide the opportunity for suppliers to learn about the latest updates happening at Orpic but also become a real platform for suppliers to meet amongst themselves and discuss the potential partnerships that can enhance their presence in the marketplace," said Dr. Hilal Al Hinai, General Manager of Corporate Support Services at Orpic. "The event also provides suppliers with information regarding Orpic's approach to managing the relationships with different suppliers through the applied systems and procedures that provide them with better access to the Orpic business opportunities."

Presentations on the company's major projects to update suppliers on their progress were made throughout the event. With the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project (SRIP) already under construction, there was also progress information from the USD 3.6 billion Liwa Plastics Project (LPP) and the Muscat-Sohar Product Pipeline (MSPP). In addition to these core developments, a number of exciting new projects were presented that were of interest to suppliers.

"We recognize the importance of our relationships with suppliers and aim to enhance them all the more by providing the 2015 Orpic Procurements Procedures Manual. This provides vendors with all required information regarding Orpic's new projects as well as information about the e-procurement service launched by Orpic last year through the Company's portal," added Dr. Hilal.

As well as the operational updates, other Orpic departments also discussed their particular roles and processes, including some new ones. The company's In-Country Value (ICV) Department was formed early in 2014 and has added significant value in sharpening the focus on the level of procurement disbursed locally and nationally, and engagement with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The Procurement, Contracts and Inventory Department (PCI) also spoke to delegates on the latest news with regard to their procedures and requirements, focusing on how a potential supplier can best serve its own interests in its dealings with Orpic through the tendering process. The Joint Supplier Registration System (JSRS) organization made a presentation on their contribution to the national supplier process, and the importance and benefits of registering on the JSRS.

During the lunch and refreshment breaks delegates were able to talk to company representatives at a series of project and department-specific booths.

Several contracts were also signed as part of the agenda, totaling well over USD 800,000 in value. These contracts have been awarded to both local and national companies.

In addition of supplier delegates the symposium was attended by Ahmed Mohammed Al Mohammed, Director General of Commerce & Industry in Al Batinah North as well as Orpic officials, local dignitaries and representatives of public and private institutions.