Alba’s market focus is not limited to Asia, confirms Ali Al Baqali

Ali Al Baqali, the chief executive officer of Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), has reportedly expressed his strong belief in an interview with Mubaseher Info that the company is going to become one of the biggest aluminium companies in the world, targeting diverse markets beyond Asia.

Image Source: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba)

Ali Al Baqali clarifies that Asia is not Alba's only focus area. He asserted, "Our vision is diverse, and we try to reduce the risks through being in different markets."

Alba targets to pull 18 to 22 per cent of its sales from the global markets in Asia, the United States, and Europe. Currently, the local market contributes 25 per cent to Alba's sales.

However, Alba's strategy may change if further pressure is felt on shipping costs and guarantees due to the ongoing geopolitical challenges like the war between Ukraine and Russia and tensions in the Red Sea, confirmed Al Baqali.

The CEO further verified that Europe and the US advance the markets in which Alba invests.

Al Baqali also emphasised its aim to strengthen Arab cooperation through the Gulf Aluminium Council and underpinned its commitment to build technical and training partnerships between Egypt and other countries in the region.

As per the report in early November, Egypt is also working to lift its non-oil trade with Saudi Arabia by about 20 per cent to $8.137 billion by the end of 2025, versus its current target of $6.781 billion for end-2024.