GCC to become a global hub for aluminium

The GCC is to become a global hub for aluminium production with 25 per cent global smelting capacity going online in five years, according to a business research and consultancy firm.

Talking to Emirates Business on the sidelines of the first Middle East Growth, Innovation and Leadership Summit (GIL 2009), Aditya Sapru, a partner at Frost and Sullivan, the organisers of the summit, said the GCC is fast diversifying with mega investments in cluster industries, particularly in metal and petrochemical byproducts.

"This region is full of potential for growth. There is potential today as the region is turning around with a huge interest in diversifying. There is also rise in the strength of sovereign wealth funds in the region. This region in five years will have 25 per cent global aluminium smelter capacity," he said.