July 3, 2012
Gulf''s fertiliser industry to participate in annual fertiliser convention
The Third Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Fertiliser Convention, scheduled to be organised by the GPCA in Dubai from September 17-19, 2012, will be participated by fertiliser production and producers.
The convention will focus on developing long-term strategies to realise further industry growth, as well as opportunities for collaboration between industry players.
"The Gulf is undergoing massive expansion of fertiliser capacity, with the region heading for an estimated 7.5% annual growth in production capacity by 2016. In response to this, companies are looking to develop long-term strategies to provide a framework for sustainable growth of the regional industry," said Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General of the GPCA.
"The Third GPCA Fertiliser Convention will host a wide variety of distinguished international speakers representing producers and their stakeholders, providing for a stimulating debate on how such measured and sustainable development can be achieved."
Al Sadoun added: "This year''s theme will address many of the issues facing the region as it increases its importance as a major fertiliser production hub."
According to the GPCA, total production of fertiliser''s products is expected to reach nearly 32 million tonnes by 2016, compared to 21 million tonnes in 2011. Moreover, the Gulf is expected to account for 36% of global urea exports and 24% of the world trade in phosphate fertilisers by 2016. But the global economic downturn and political and economic uncertainty in both the Arab world and Europe present significant near-term challenges to growth.
The convention will address these and other critical industry questions, including the role of the Gulf fertiliser industry in meeting rapidly growing world food demand. The FAO claims food production will need to increase by 70% by 2050 in order to feed an extra 2.3 billion people.
The outlook for key emerging markets such as India, China, Africa and South America will also be assessed during the convention, alongside trends in global agriculture, together with their implications for the Middle East fertiliser sector.
"Adopting best practices to ensure the industry''s long-term sustainability in an uncertain economic climate is crucial," said Al Sadoun.