Major GPCA fertiliser convention to take place in Oman this September
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf region, announced that the 9th edition of the GPCA Fertiliser Convention will be held at Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Oman, from September 18 to 20, 2018.
Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery, President, GPIC and Vice Chairman, GPCA, will deliver the opening remarks during the event. The keynote address on day one will be presented by Rakesh Kapur, President of the International Fertiliser Association (IFA), and Joint Managing Director of Indian Farmers’ Fertiliser Cooperative (Iffco), while Charlotte Hebebrand, Director General, International Fertiliser Association (IFA), will deliver the day two keynote address.
Other distinguished speakers include John Baffes, Senior Economist, World Bank (Development Prospects Group); Seta Tutundjian, Director of Partnerships and Knowledge Management, International Centre for Bio saline Agriculture (ICBA); and Thomas Rings, Partner, A.T. Kearney.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region benefits immensely from its abundant hydrocarbon resources, strategic geographic location and competitive feedstock position, making it an important global producer of high quality fertilisers. With significant contributions to job creation and economic growth, the fertiliser industry is of strategic importance to advancing the GCC’s national vision, transformation strategies and economic diversification drive.
“As the first GPCA event to take place in Oman, the Fertiliser Convention will shine a spotlight on the fertiliser industry in the Sultanate and the GCC, and its crucial role in supporting local agriculture and contributing to socio-economic growth,” Dr Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, said.
“As the global population continues to grow and environmental challenges put pressure on farmers to produce healthier and more abundant crops, fertilisers remain vital for ensuring food security in a world with rising demand for nutrition. Held under the theme “New frontiers and opportunities”, the 9th GPCA Fertiliser Convention will provide exclusive access to networking with high-level officials, and promote regional innovations in agriculture,” he added.
The conference will discuss the latest developments in global trade and their impact on the fertiliser industry in the region, which is heavily export-oriented. Technical sessions dedicated to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability along with a workshop on customer value management will provide further opportunities to share knowledge and best practices on this important industry platform.
The GPCA Fertiliser Convention has established itself as the Middle East’s leading platform to network, share best practices and exchange ideas for the future in a highly dynamic business landscape. Each year, industry experts, thought leaders and senior officials from the GCC and beyond come together to connect, expand their knowledge and share insights on the latest trends driving growth in the fertiliser market.