DOHA: The global fertiliser demand is expected to rise in the next few years so are the capacities across the world. It is important that GCC to expand its product portfolio as well as invest in research in process and/or products said Qafco CEO Khalifa A Al Sowaidi in Dubai.

Delivering his opening address at the fertilizer convention hosted by Gulf Petrochemical Association (GPCA) the Qafco CEO noted it is vital that we focus more on innovation in product and technology to achieve optimum production and stay ahead of our competitors.

Fertilizer capacity in the Arabian Gulf grew to 40.8 million tonnes in 2014 a 3.8 percent increase from the previous year earning revenues of $6.5bn according to the latest research in the GPCA’s Fertilizers Indicators report. Industry experts believe that the sector must evolve in traditional and new export markets to realize its growth potential.

Commenting on the role of fertiliser producers in hunger alleviation Al Sowaidi said: “Beyond doubt the fertilizer industry is playing a major role in overcoming the ever-alarming food security challenge due to growing population and urbanisation by maintaining land fertility. Currently 70 percent–80 percent of the world’s food is produced using fertilizers and being a responsible fertilizer manufacturer for more than four decades Qafco is aspiring to have a leadership role in producing high-quality fertilizer in a sustainable manner.”

Speaking on sustainability one of the key themes of the convention Al Sowaidi said: “Adopting a sustainable approach to fertilizer production is a fundamental pillar of the industry’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and product stewardship. Efficient production of fertilizers via operational improvements is the key towards improving fertilizer performance and efficiency and in turn supporting nutrient efficiency.”

Qafco used the convention to help Qatari students from different universities in Qatar gain insights into the fertiliser industry. The students got a first-hand knowledge about the industry from the stalwarts of the fertiliser industry.

“Our strategic Qatarisation plan enables us to support the educational sector through partnerships and sponsorships proactively supporting training and development of Qatari students.” Commending the students on their participation and enthusiasm in the convention he said “I am glad that the students have gained much during the convention and will hopefully apply these and evolve more on the work front.” Al Sowaidi also distributed certificates to students in appreciation of their participation in the convention.

The students represented different Qatari institutions like Qatar University Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) College of North Atlantic Qatar and Qatari graduate engineers studying in UK participated in the convention.

This year the convention focused on the theme – “Innovating for growth: Ensuring an efficient sustainable future”. The conference shed light on how the GCC’s fertilizer industry can contribute to global food security while embracing an environmentally sustainable future.

The GPCA Fertilizer Convention is an annual event organized by the GPCA’s Fertilizer Committee currently headed by Khalifa A Al Sowaidi CEO of Qafco.

The GPCA’s Fertilizer Committee works to address issues of common interest to members from the fertiliser industry. The committee works towards ensuring continuous improvement and development of all aspects of the fertilizer sector by securing necessary support from the GCC region’s policy-makers and other key third-party stakeholders. The Committee supports and undertakes activities and programs relevant to the promotion of all areas in relation to Fertilizer products and services and serve as the voice for GPCA members within regional and international entities.