Arab Fertilizers Association attends IFA annual conference

Manama, May 24 (BNA): The Board of Directors of the Arab Fertilizers Association (AFA), held their eighth meeting on the sidelines of the 85th Annual Conference of the International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA) in Marrakech, Morocco, from May 22 to 24. The IFA Conference was attended by representatives from 77 Countries around the world, who discussed the future of chemical fertilizers and their role in providing food. Production of some crops, from which oil is extracted as a form of alternate energy, was also discussed. The AFA Board discussed ways to achieve common goals to benefit the AFA and the IFA. Dr. Jawahery said that the AFA is an integral part of the international fertiliser industry and shares with the IFA many common interests. He said Arab countries have the largest share in the world’s fertiliser industry and plays an active role in supplying markets with their needs of various kinds of fertilizers. Dr. Jawahery noted the importance of such periodic conferences that contribute to strengthening cooperation between participants and play an effective role in the transfer of knowledge, besides giving employees and those interested in this industry the opportunity to learn about the latest developments. He said this knowledge is no longer limited to production and export but also looks at commitment to all legislation that help preserve the environment. Dr. Jawahery said that the conference was organised at a time when the fertiliser industry was facing challenges due to the economic crises experienced by some countries as well as the setting up of new factories. He said most of these new factories had been set up in the United States, and this had led to exports to that country falling considerably. The AFA is an Arab international organization established in 1975 under the umbrella of the Arab Economic Unity Council. It brings together Arab institutions and companies involved in the fertiliser industry. It has a membership of 166 companies from 30 countries. The AFA aims to assist members in dealing with production issues through the exchange of information and experiences as well as documenting technical, economic, commercial and agricultural data related to the industry. It also supports the development of technical and vocational training programmes for workers in the region to enhance their interaction with specialized bodies, institutions and other organizations.