18th AFA International Annual Fertilizers Forum Sharm Al Sheikh: Feb. 7th – 9th, 2012 Final Report The 18th AFA International Annual Fertilizer Forum was convened in conformity with AFA clear and developed vision and strategy, aiming at the service of AFA members of Arab and international companies. Such an endeavor headed to developing fertilizer industry and agriculture, contributing in international efforts targeting bridging food gap and achieving world food security. It is noteworthy that the previously stated is taking place amidst the increasing regional and international demands and the heightened fertilizer trade movement, which will be accompanied by the rise in world demand on agricultural products according to the current and expected indicators. In accordance with the Forum program, presented papers and held discussions, the key issues tackled are as follows: ďƒ˜ Pinpointing the additional production capacities that entered the commercial production during the year 2011 in a number of countries including Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia together with the expected new capacities for the year 2012, so as to face the rise in demand rate and thus the necessity of providing the required amounts of different fertilizers. ďƒ˜ Analyzing issues of market developments, expectations of fertilizers work cycle, supply and demand balance in addition to profitability already tackled by international think tanks, namely IFA, CRU, Chem-Courier, BC Insight, Integer Research. 1
Presenting a number of visions related to international issues concerned with agriculture sector and food security, namely: Challenges and opportunities in the Arab world Method of nutrition management in Africa semi-desert Underscoring the challenges related to water with special focus on the Arab region; such in the light of the Arab water situation and existing competition in this concern which will be maximized in future for potable water purposes, agricultural activity and industrial needs. Thus, it requires a comprehensive review for water consumption and distribution system. Underlining fertilizer local situation in key countries, for instance Northern America, Latin America, Australia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Focusing on current fertilizer policy in India and related future directions together with its impact on international trade movement. Emphasizing the importance of zinc as a main nutritional component and the related initiative of IZA. It is worth mentioning that the Forum has delivered a crystal clear message to companies’ in order to bear a bigger share of social responsibility and to set a direct voluntary policy so as to contribute in purposeful social projects; after the reduction of governments’ role, in a number of countries, as a result of the faced financial and economic difficulties prevailing in the last few years. Therefore, companies’ social role maximized in the economic and social development field reflected in the execution of effective programs and policies to seriously contribute in supporting developmental projects and establishing specialized training centers, for employees or community people, providing them transparently with better job opportunities requiring higher capabilities. Such attempts necessitate the existence of a well-studied driven media reflecting, documenting and announcing the companies’ activity concerning local communities and surrounding environment services.
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Analysis of Forum Participation and Results of Questionnaire Participation in Forum The number of participants reached 467, representing 169 companies, from 34 Arab and foreign countries, as follows 15 Participating Arab Countries Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordon, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab of Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Sudan 19 Participating Non-Arab Countries Austria, India, Ukraine, Pakistan, Singapore, Turkey, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Holland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Britain, Canada and America. Development of Activities and Proceedings of AFA International Annual Fertilizer Forum Forum/ Year
Number of
Participating
Companies and
Attendants
Countries
Organizations
Total Arab Other Total Arab Other Total Arab Other 18th / 2012
467
380
87
34
15
19
171
115
56
17th / 2011
637
581
56
34
16
18
210
132
78
16th / 2010
696
572
124
43
16
27
282
182
100
15th / 2009
689
580
109
44
16
28
276
195
81
14th / 2008
688
534
154
41
16
26
284
190
94
Development of AFA International Annual Forum Accompanying Exhibition Exhibition/ Year
18th th
/ 2012 17 / 2011 16th / 2010 15th / 2009 14th / 2008
Number of Participating Countries Total Arab 20 12 25 15 26 15 19 11 27 14 3
Publishing Houses Other 8 10 11 8 9
6 6 4 4 4
Media Coverage The Forum was widely covered by media means, as the economic periodicals highlighted the Forum news before and during its convening nationally, regionally and internationally. The specialized foreign periodicals, such as: Fertilizer International and Fertilizers Focus, published news related to the Forum, AFA activities and Arab fertilizer industry status internationally.
Regional magazines further published news about the Forum being a great economic event in the region, including: Daily Al Bayan, UAE Alittihad Newspaper, UAE Okaz Newspaper Site, KSA Al Sharq Newspaper, Qatar In addition to a number of Arab internet sites such as Middle East, Bashaer … etc.
Together with the following economic magazines: Al Alam Al Youm Al Mal Al Amwal Al Borsagia The media coverage unprecedentedly reached 58 articles about the Forum The Forum Evaluation results through the questionnaires A questionnaire was distributed during the Forum and sent via email after the Forum to all participants; as of the questionnaires received by the AFA secretariat, the following evaluation of the Forum was reached: Evaluation Average Material relevance to participants practical Very good expertise Communication between speakers and Very good participants during specified timings (session management) Planning for the exhibition/ communicating Very good with exhibitors Ceremonies Very good 4
Additional Remarks Paying attention to convening the Forum proceedings and hosting the participants in the same hotel, if possible. Taking in consideration delivering short fertilizer industry related speeches given by key speakers in the opening ceremony (as stated by one of the participants). Paving the way for presenting issues related to potash industry and fertilizer transportation and shipping. Giving a chance to the presenting a working paper on fertilizer factories investments, financing sources and bank roles. Providing more time for some sessions.
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