Phosphates plays major role in Moroccan economy, minister
Morocco's phosphates play a major role in the economy representing 3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 15 to 18% of exports, said Moroccan energy and mining minister.
Mohamed Boutaleb, speaking Tuesday in Casablanca at the 18th international annual technical conference of the Arab Fertilisers Association (AFA), said the North African country, which started processing phosphates into phosphoric acid in 1965, has developed its phosphates industry part of a strategy destined to increase renewable energy and modernise production means.
Morocco, which has 75% of international phosphates reserves, signed several partnership agreements with other countries to boost its share in international markets, according to Boutaleb.
The country's future phosphates industry development strategy will rely on by-products diversification, enlarge its renewable energy sources and enact a marketing policy to raise fertilisers sales, Boutaleb said.
AFA Secretary General, Shafik Ashkar, spoke, for his part, of the association mission aiming at improving the performances of Arab related institutions, coordinating between fertilisers production units and sharing expertise and know-how.
The three-day AFA technical conference is held in cooperation with the Moroccan phosphates office (OCP) and is attended by several experts from Arab and international companies.
The conference is looking into the latest development in the fertiliser industry and environment protection through presentations by Arab and international experts on the Mega-Ammonia Process: the Newest Trend in the ammonia Industry, From Proven Technology to Mammoth Single Line Urea Plants, Urea Super Phosphate Process a Proven Route for Producing NP Fertilizer, Increase Potash Production by Cooling Manipulation on Hot Crystalliser System and Selection Criteria of Cooling Tower Cooling.
AFA is a non profit Arab organisation set up in 1975 and operating under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Economic Unity. It groups more than 100 members from 23 countries. AFA aims to coordinate and develop technical and commercial relations in fertiliser industry.
