HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani patronized on Monday the launch of Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) project in Ras Laffan industrial city. The ceremony was attended by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Emiri Diwan, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, a number of Sheikhs , ministers as well as senior officials in the oil and gas sector in the country. HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York and other guests were also present at the ceremony. At the outset of the function, HH the Emir toured the site and listened to an explanation on the various stages of the integrated project which includes all lines of production established at Ras Laffan industrial city. The ceremony started with a recital of verses from the holy Quran, followed by a visual documentary on the history of the State of Qatar spanning the urban and industrial development, including the stages of gas formation and the uses of its products as the cleanest source of energy in the world. HH the Emir also toured an exhibition staged on the sidelines of the ceremony, and was briefed about displays depicting the stages of the transfer of expertise and technology to the country contributing to making it the capital of the gas-to-liquids industry in the world. HH the Emir later attended a lunch banquet held on the occasion. Its noteworthy that implementation of the world-class Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) project is based on a value added series from drilling to offshore well development , gas processing to end-use refined products at Pearl plant in Ras Laffan industrial city. When fully operational, Pearl will produce 140,000 barrels per day bpd of liquids in the form of a high quality distillate blendstock helping meet growing global hydrocarbon needs , in addition to 120,000 bpd of oil equivalent of natural gas liquids such as ethane, liquefied petroleum gas and condensates.(QNA) M T Z