NIIK joins Arab Fertilizer Association to increase exposure to Middle East

Russian engineering and technology provider for the nitrogen fertilizer industry, the Urea Research and Design Institute (NIIK), has joined the Arab Fertilizer Association (AFA). AFA is an international organization that unites 180 companies from 29 countries, operates under the aegis of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, and plays a key role in global fertilizer production and trade.

AFA member countries account for approximately 68% of global triple superphosphate output, 37% of diammonium phosphate, 41% of urea production, and around 70% of global trade in phosphate rock concentrate. By joining the association, NIIK aims to deepen its engagement with international partners and enhance access to markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

NIIK has cooperated with AFA for over a decade, contributing to conferences, working groups, and technical committees. The newly formalized membership, according to NIIK CEO Oleg Drobotushchenko, opens further opportunities for business development and the promotion of Russian technologies abroad.

“Participation in international associations allows companies to strengthen cooperative ties and expand their presence in global markets,” Drobotushchenko said. “With proprietary technologies for urea and methanol production, as well as competencies in equipment diagnostics and repair, NIIK positions itself as a reliable engineering partner with over 70 years of experience.”

NIIK owns the URECON technology for urea production and offers design solutions for UAN, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, and other nitrogen-based fertilizers. The institute views the AFA platform as a means to share technological expertise and secure new international projects amid evolving market and technological conditions.