GCC countries control 13 pct of global aluminum production

　　It was announced here on Monday that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are currently controling 13 percent of global aluminum production, while its production did not exceed 0.5 percent in 1983.

　　This production is constantly increasing due to development of the aluminum industry, as well as increase of production lines, Mohammad Al-Naqi, president of Arab International Aluminum Conference "ARABAL" 2012, said during a press conference held by the Preparatory Committee of "ARABAL" 2012 in Doha to mark the launch of the 16th edition of ARABAL, set to take place on Tuesday.

　　Al-Naqi asserted that Qatar was able to remarkably develop its economy, pointing out at the same time that the Qatari economy has moved from dependence on the energy sector to become a diversified economy that industry constitutes one of its important components.

　　He added that this year's conference will include several topics, panel discussions, and outstanding workshops that focus on the aluminum sector at the local and global levels.

　　Also, the conference will host 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, said Al-Naqi.

　　In addition, he indicated that ARABAL 2012 represent 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.

　　ARABAL is the only conference dedicated to the Arab aluminum industry. It was launched in 1983 by the initiative of Kuwait Aluminum Company, with the participation of all companies, Arab aluminum smelters and at the presence of many stakeholders and international and regional institutions operating in the aluminum sector.

　　As of 2011, the conference decided to convene on an annual rather than biennial basis due to the growing importance of and developments in the aluminum industry.