Bahrain hosts Gulf Fertilizers Conference 2017
(Bahrain) – Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa opened the 8th Fertilizers Conference of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Union (GPCA).
The conference is hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time on September 26-28, titled “New Beginnings: Back to Growth.”
Dr. Saad Abu Al-Maati, President of the Arab Fertilizer Union, Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chairman of Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, Dr. Abdulwahab Al Saadoon, Secretary General of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Union (GPIC), and a number of dignitaries, all attended the conference.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by a wide range of participants from various countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and many Gulf, Arab and European countries. As well as many visitors from a large number of GCC countries and others. In addition to the presence of a large number of experts and a number of speakers specialized in the industry of fertilizers and oil and petrochemical industries.
A number of industrial companies from the Gulf and around the world, as well as, a remarkable presence of engineers interested in the petroleum and petrochemical industry, and a prominent number of scientists and specialized researchers and international institutes interested in the industry fertilizers.
This key event is organized by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Union (GPCA) in cooperation with Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) and in coordination with the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and supported by a number of companies specialized in the industry of fertilizers and raw materials around the world. In order to discuss many issues facing the fertilizer industry in the difficult climate. Including the potential impact of new changes in the fertilizer trade market and the key factors behind future growth. In addition, the conference will discuss topics related to how to create a stable environment, re-invent global distribution channels, link innovation, and review the latest technological developments in the region and the world.
Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa welcomed the guests wishing them a good stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for selecting the Kingdom of Bahrain for holding this conference and accompanying exhibition. The Kingdom of Bahrain is well-known in organizing conferences, exhibitions and events in the Middle East and the world. He also praised the efforts made by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Union and the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company in cooperation with the National Oil and Gas Authority, in preparing and organizing this edition in a manner that is commensurate with a good reputation towards the Kingdom of Bahrain in the industry of specialized oil conferences and exhibitions. He expressed his great pleasure in seeing the future leaders of the youth in the activities of this conference and wishing everyone the opportunity to invest in the development and progress of their institutions.
The minister also expressed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to provide the highest levels of support for such specialized events, which have positive results in supporting the national economy, enhancing the knowledge and development system, promoting the exchange of information, experiences and knowledge sharing, contributing to capacity building, enhancing skills and the promotion of sustainable development in the region.
In his inaugural address, the Minister referred to the support provided by the governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to the fertilizer industry and its efforts to overcome the many challenges that this changing market is witnessing, this will ensure stability of this strategic industry. Especially in the face of the dramatic rise in the world’s population, which is expected to increase by 6.5 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050.
He added that the huge growth in population and the urgent need to speed up food production is a great opportunity for fertilizer producers in the GCC, which is an important global center for the chemical fertilizer industry. Given the reality of this market, which exports more than 90 percent of its total production from nitrogen fertilizers (ammonia and urea) to the Far East, to contribute to global efforts to address the challenges of food security, by providing effective use of resources. He stressed the need for true strategic partnership and strong cooperation to overcome the challenges facing this vital industry represented by climate change, conflicts and migration in order to continue the path of sustainable development that all seek.
He also stressed that the GCC countries and the Middle East and North Africa region should adopt the vision of the United Nations, the five pillars of which are “individuals”, “planet”, “prosperity”, “partnerships” and “peace” as the framework through which to achieve sustainability. Taking into account the improvement of crops and water management and public health of the soil through the use of balanced and effective fertilizers to increase agricultural production. The minister cited the Bahraini experience in this regard, which is an honor for all. In the adoption of the five principles of the company, which enabled the company to achieve many of the prestigious international awards, which came as a result of the adoption of best practices, and benefit from the support of strategic partners, such as Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and Kuwait Petrochemical Industries Company and the Holding Company for Oil and Gas in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
