Egypt is in the final stages of completing a study for the development of an alternative strategy for single-use plastics with help from Japan, according to an Environment Ministry statement. The country will receive a USD 3.2 mn grant from Japan to support circular economy practices in the single-use plastic value chain in a bid to reduce consumption. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency prepared a study on the plastic value chain in Egypt to identify alternative materials, packaging technology, and recycling technology. The project, which was announced in 2021, aims to advance the country’s efforts with support from Unido.

Morocco’s OCP will provide India with sustainable fertilizers: Moroccan state-owned fertilizer manufacturer OCP Group signed a partnership agreement with Indian private and public sector agriculture firms for the export of 1.7 mn tons of phosphate fertilizers, according to a company statement. The agreement will provide 700k metric tons of customized triple super phosphate fertilizers, which will minimize waste levels in the country, OCP notes.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• Shell Oman and Amlaak Energy Resources will develop smart service stations in the Sultanate that use 63% less energy than conventional service stations using solar energy and recycle fuel vapor. (Statement)
• The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) signed an agreement with Worley Consulting to conduct feasibility studies on installing renewable power across their gas fields as part of their 2050 net-zero target. KOC had sent out requests for proposals to five companies for the installation of a 3.4-3.6 MW wind turbine at its Ratqa oil field. (Zawya)
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry signed an agreement for a project to transform food systems to bolster food security. The project will address the development of efficient and sustainable food systems, among other objectives.(Jordan Times)
• UAE’s Aldar Properties and Diamond Developers netted AED 1 bn in sales in a single day, selling out the first phase of their sustainable city Yas Island. (Statement)