Provision of appropriate chemical safety and security in developing countries poses one of the greatest challenges for today's economy.  In order to ensure an adequate level of safety and security, it is necessary to introduce best practices and operational procedures - said Philip Mibenge, the President of the Polish-African Chamber of Commerce at the information meeting with representatives of the embassies of African countries with headquarters in Poland.

The main objective of the meeting, which was held on January 12 at the headquarters of the International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security (ICCSS), was to discuss preparations for the African Forum on Chemical Safety and Security, which is the leading event of the Global Summit on Chemical Safety and Security Chemss2016 (www.chemss2016.org) and the International Chemical Safety and Security Fair which take place on 18-20 April in Kielce.

The Forum's objective is the development of chemical and environmental safety and security in Africa and presentation of effective technical solutions, equipment and training programs in enhancing chemical and ecological safety and security. An important theme of the Forum will be an international program promoting chemical safety and security in Kenya, which is coordinated by ICCSS.

The meeting provided the opportunity to promote a broad-scope debate on international importance of chemicals as well as governments’ and institutions' role in chemical safety and security provision. 

African partners have pointed the growing demand for effective solutions in the field of chemical and environmental safety and security, in the light of rapid economic development of Africa and the growing demand and the use of chemicals.

They reaffirmed the strong interest in cooperation with Polish and international parties in building chemical and environmental safety and security. They also confirmed the strong interest in participating in the African Forum on Chemical Safety and Security.

During the meeting there was a presentation of Local Awareness Program for chemical safety and security in Africa.

The dynamic development of Africa's industry is accompanied with increased use of chemicals.  Therefore chemical safety and security have become critical for economic efficiency as well as people and the environment safety. Easy access to chemicals entails numerous hazards, including increase in terrorist activity. Effective state's protection against toxic substances and chemical weapons proliferation have become one of the themes for multilateral talks on safety and security.

The meeting initiated regular consultations and exchange of views on the chemical and ecological safety and security issues. It resulted in the interest of African partners in the Polish technical solutions and the offer of Polish companies in the field of chemical and environmental safety and security.