Global challenges facing the aluminium industry will be examined at the 15th International Arab Aluminium Conference and Exhibition (Arabal 2011) conference which begins in Oman today (November 13).

Bahrain will be represented by Alba, which is one of the sponsors of the four-day Arabal 2011 taking place at the Grand Hyatt Palace, Muscat.

Arabal 2011's theme will be 'Global challenges for sustainable growth in the aluminium industry, and the role of smelters in the Gulf.'

The company will be one of the exhibitors at Arabal 2011 showcasing its product portfolio, production process and operations.

Alba's sponsorship of Arabal 2011 expresses the company's resolve to bolster ties with smelters in the region, to contribute in enhancing the Arab world's status as a growing hub for the aluminium industry as well as to pursue opportunities to transform business leads into potential trade partners.

As one of the premier trade events for the aluminium industry in the Middle East, Arabal 2011 brings together producers, suppliers and consumers from across the world under one platform.

Arabal 2011 is expected to enable participants to learn of new trends and developments in the industry, explore solutions to some of the challenges facing the aluminium sector, and strengthen possible business links with fellow delegates.

'As the oldest aluminium smelter in the Middle East, Alba is proud to sponsor this key event that serves to enrich the Arab world's status as a growing hub for the aluminium industry,' Alba chief executive officer Laurent Schmitt said.

'With a 40-year legacy in aluminium production, we are proud not only to be a witness but also a participant in the growth of the industry in the region.

'It is our confidence that Arabal 2011 will, once again, prove instrumental in raising the profile of regional smelters on the international stage, and in paving the way towards grabbing a larger share of the global aluminium production.'

An exhibition is also being organised on the sidelines of the conference, where Alba will be showcasing its portfolio of high-grade aluminium products, its quality focused production process as well as its environmentally friendly and safety conscious operations.-TradeArabia News Service