ARABAL officials Abdul Aziz Daylami, Mohamed Al Naki, Ibrahim J Fakhri, Mohamed Yahya, Jamell Shameel and Abdul Rahim Al Hashmi, at a press conference yesterday. (Salim Matramkot)
DOHA: The Gulf region’s combined contribution to global aluminium production has grown to an estimated 12 to 13 percent. The region’s production capacity has grown substantially over the years and the Arab countries are looking for further boost its production capacity in the coming years, Mohamed Al Naki, Chairman, Preparatory Committee, Arab International Aluminium Conference (ARABAL) said here yesterday.
The region’s contribution to the global production was just 2.3 percent until 1983. With key countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman set to expand their capacities, the region’s contribution to the global production is expected to go up further, Al Naki said while briefing the preparation of the 16th edition of the “ARABAL” set to open here today.
The three-day conference will feature discussions on several topics, panel discussions and outstanding workshops that focus on the aluminium sector at the local and global levels, and will be hosting some of the most prominent figures involved in the sector including experts and academics addressing the conference and presenting their scientific and practical expertise to participants and audience.
The price movements in the commodity market, the Arab Spring and its impact on industry and investment, and the Chinese aluminium market will also be discussed in the conference.
“ARABAL 2012 represents a platform where large number of experts, industrialists and stakeholders gather to promote the conference outputs, raise awareness, and open the door for everyone to share experiences and information and enhance communication between various stakeholders” said Qatalum’s Public Relations and Communication Director, and Head of the Preparatory Committee Ibrahim Jasem Fakhri.
Over 600 delegates have confirmed their participation, including representatives from 140 companies from over 45 countries.
Forty exhibitors will be showcasing their products at the exhibition to be held on then on the sidelines of the conference. The committee noted that this tangible increase in the amount of individual and corporate participation is clear evidence of the growing importance of the aluminium industry regionally and globally.
Fakhri said there will be 36 speakers who would address different sessions covering the aluminum sector, markets, and the outlook for the industry future, along with technology, environment, recycling, manufacturing industries, and investments.
Fakhri extended sincere thanks and appreciation to Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatalum H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada for his patronage of the conference, and to the members of ARABAL on their support given to the Preparatory Committee. ARABAL is the only conference dedicated to the Arab aluminium industry.
The Peninsula
