Converting sustainable development into value for Gulf fertiliser producers will be the theme of the Third Annual GPCA Fertiliser Convention, organised by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, or GPCA, in Dubai from September 17-19.

The convention will focus on developing long-term strategies to realise further industry growth, as well as opportunities for collaboration between industry players.

“The Gulf is undergoing massive expansion of fertiliser capacity, with the region heading for an estimated 7.5 per cent annual growth in production capacity by 2016. In response to this, companies are looking to develop long-term strategies to provide a framework for sustainable growth of the regional industry,” GPCA secretary-general Dr Abdulwahab Al Sadoun said.

“The Third GPCA Fertiliser Convention will host a wide variety of distinguished international speakers representing producers and their stakeholders, providing for a stimulating debate on how such measured and sustainable development can be achieved.”

Dr Al Sadoun added: “This year’s theme will address many of the issues facing the region as it increases its importance as a major fertiliser production hub.”

According to the GPCA, the total production of fertiliser products is expected to reach nearly 32 million tonnes by 2016, compared to 21 million tonnes in 2011. Moreover, the Gulf is expected to account for 36 per cent of global urea exports and 24 per cent of the world trade in phosphate fertilisers by 2016. But the global economic downturn and uncertainty present significant near-term challenges to growth.

The convention will address these and other critical industry questions, including the role of the Gulf fertiliser industry in meeting rapidly growing world food demand. The Food and Agriculture Organisation claims food production will need to increase by 70 per cent by 2050 in order to feed an extra 2.3 billion people.

The outlook for key emerging markets such as India, China, Africa and South America will also be assessed during the convention, alongside trends in global agriculture, together with their implications for the Middle East fertiliser sector.

“Adopting best practices to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability in an uncertain economic climate is crucial,” said Dr Al Sadoun.

Major industry organisations confirmed to present at the Third Annual Convention include The International Fertiliser Industry Association, Sabic, Ma’aden, Unilever, GPIC, CNCIC, EtherChem (Beijing), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Stamicarbon, the Iraq Geological Survey and Nalco.

CRU, the event co-organisers and analysts, will also present in-depth market insights at the convention.

This year’s event will begin with an afternoon of interactive technical sessions on the first day at the InterContinental in Dubai Festival City.