More than 280 delegates from 37 countries will take part in the two-day 'Arab Steel Summit 2009' which begins in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi crown prince’s court, member of the executive council of Abu Dhabi and chairman of Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic  Zones (ZonesCorp).

Emirates Steel Industries (ESI), the UAE’s largest steel manufacturing company, is sponsoring the summit that will be held at the Beach Rotana Hotel from April 13 to 14, in co-ordination with the Arab Iron and Steel Union.

The event will address issues impacting the regional and international steel sectors, the current global financial crisis and strategic solutions to alleviate the effects of the current situation.

The participants will also discuss the competitive strategies of the region’s steel producers, as well as market developments and technological advancements.

Market research organizations will present data on expected import and export balances for various steel products and related commodities in addition to information on cost saving strategies and their future impact on steel manufacturing.

Running concurrently with the summit will be the International Steel Exhibition 2009, where participants from the region will showcase their current production capabilities and modern technological solutions that can further develop production and manufacturing capabilities to increase efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Apart from the iron and steel manufacturing companies, the summit has also attracted representatives from engineering consultancy firms, raw material producers, distribution firms and consumers of steel products.

Holding the Arab Steel Summit 2009 in Abu Dhabi highlights the fast-growing steel sector in the UAE and marks a significant milestone for the development of the industrial sector within the emirate, said the organisers.

While the regional iron and steel manufacturing sector is undergoing huge transformations and developments, the region is widely expected to sustain its new projects and development activities in 2009, which will increase the current production levels and also diversify the end steel products required to satisfy regional requirements.

ESI is taking a lead role in the region’s growth. This year brings to a successful conclusion the first phase of its ambitious plans to become a vertically integrated steel producer, the organisers added.-TradeArabia News Service