The International Copper Association (ICA) organized the ‘Asia Copper Forum’, on 5th May 2010 in Dubai to provide a platform for stronger collaboration between various stakeholders in the copper value chain including global producers, fabricators, wire & cable manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, end users, policy makers and other stakeholders in Asia. This event underscores ICA’s commitment to strengthen its presence in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries as well as the broader Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.
Francis J Kane, President, International Copper Association, said the GCC, with its ambitious growth plans in energy, building construction and infrastructure, is an important market for copper. The annual ‘Asia Copper Forum’ held in Dubai for the first time has provided representatives of the global copper industry and the local downstream industry in the GCC an unique opportunity to identify areas for co-operation in the sustainable use of copper in the region.
Kane said, “ICA initiated its activities in the GCC in 2008 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Emirates Authority for Standards and Metrology (ESMA) to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of energy efficiency labels & standards. The adoption of higher energy efficiency standards and the display of energy labels on all energy consuming appliances will help to reduce carbon foot-prints in the UAE. The program was formally launched on April 14, this year, initially covering room air-conditioners.”
Kane further added, “ICA has also been active in the broader MENA region. In 2008-09, it leveraged its global experience to assist the Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reduction project in Egypt with the development of Minimum Energy Performance Standards ( MEPS ) for Distribution Transformers and Industrial Motors.
“Looking ahead, ICA plans to build on its experiences so far to expand its promotional efforts for the sustainable use of copper across the GCC in the Energy, Building Construction, Appliances and Public Health sectors, in alliance with policy makers, building construction professionals, appliance and equipment manufacturers, end-users and other stakeholders.” concluded Kane
The event was well attended by various technical professionals of the MENA region and were addressed by ICA and esteemed speakers from the region. List of speakers included:
Opening Remarks and Overview of ICA
Francis Kane
President
International Copper Association
Copper's Contributions to Combating Climate Change
John Schonenberger
Chief Executive Officer
European Copper Institute
ICA - Your Change Partner
Ravinder Bhan
Overview of GCC Copper Market
DUCAB
Emirates Authority for Standards & Metrology - Partnership, Progress and Plans
Er. Mohamed Badri
Director General - ESMA
Dubai Carbon Center of Excellence
Bert Kleinveld
Director Special Projects
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Rationale for increasing efficiency in Power Generation & Desalination Consequently impact on Copper
Dr Nabil Nada
ACWA Power
Energy Saving Opportunities for Transformers
Aasit M. Naik
AGM
Voltamp Energy