Annual Meeting of Representatives of Chemical Industry and National Authorities held in Doha

The OPCW, in cooperation with the Doha Regional Centre for CBRN Training, organised the Second Annual Meeting of the Representatives of Chemical Industry and National Authorities of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)  in Doha, Qatar from 8 to 10 November 2015. The first meeting was also held in Doha in November 2014. The event attended by more than 60 participants representing the National Authorities and Chemical Industry from 18 States Parties, attracted participation from the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).

The meeting was inaugurated by Major-General Staff (Pilot) Nasser Mohammad Al-Ali, Chairman of the Qatar National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons. Brigadier (Air) Hassan Saleh Al Nesf, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, in his opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Chairman, noted that this event was part of efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar to promote international peace and security. Emphasizing that the cooperation with OPCW is an integral part of this policy, he thanked the OPCW and the International Council of Chemical Associations for their continued support to these meetings.

The meeting was aimed to enhance engagement between the National Authorities and chemical industry, one of the most important stakeholders in the implementation of the CWC. A number of important issues including cooperation between National Authorities and chemical industry, the Article VI declaration and verification regime, and chemical safety and security were on the agenda of the meeting. Representatives from States Parties* also made national presentations on relevant issues. The meeting provided an important platform for sharing experiences and best practices related to the role of the chemical industry in the implementation of the CWC.

The State of Qatar has offered to host these meetings on an annual basis in Doha.

* Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar,  Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Federation, Qatar,  South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam.