The embodiment of strength and grace

'The world is your oyster' is a phrase that would best define Preea Haareesh Nambiar, Managing Director of Petrochem Intl Trading LLC, who had established the organisation in 2006.

She believes that women are capable of taking charge of various situations, and of course, are gifted with the ability to accomplish things once they set their minds towards success.

"People, especially women, should take risks, as intimidating as it may seem at first. I believe that women are multi-talented with the skills to excel. We are capable of setting balance in life, can provide support wherever necessary, are very responsible, and understand the value of time enough to share it with everyone."

The set-up of Petrochem Intl Trading LLC as a business is a dream comes true for Preea, who had merely initiated it to pursue her passion. What started as a small trading house in Dubai with operations in Abu Dhabi that started two years later, Petrochem had grown to become among the top business-to-business distributors of industrial and speciality chemicals around the globe.

"We currently have a strong base in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and other GCC countries. Just two years ago, we had initiated operations in China and are involved in trade from there to the USA. Iraq and Syria are also part of our expansion plans in the future," she said, adding that the company has just over 100 staff, including technologists, specialists in engineering, Logistics, Sales, etc.

Petrochem caters to a diverse range of industries, with specialities like oil and gas, cosmetics and personal care, feed/animal nutrition, food and pharmaceuticals, blending, packaging, printing, polymers, detergent, construction, water treatment, lubricants, agro-chemical, paints, plastics, as well as food and beverages, fragrances and flavours.

Speaking about her role as a female entrepreneur, Preea shared that she enjoys gender equality in the UAE's business environment.

"The main reason for this is the incredible amount of support women receive from the great leadership of this country. Women are highly respected and encouraged to take up positions with an aim to develop a better nation for a better tomorrow."
Preea herself has established an ideal work-life balance with the support of her family. "It has been a dream of mine to start something in business, follow my passion and see it through. So far, we have put together a very good team, and I can safely say that I am living my dream. If I manage to get more time, I would like to grow as an individual and an entrepreneur. I want to see Petrochem grow in the coming years to become the sought-after organisation that specialises in chemicals, distribution for different trading industries," she beamed.

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