Moscow, Russia – September 7, 2011. Head of the Market Research and Trade Policy Department, Foreign Affairs adviser at URALCHEM, Nina Khangaldyan, has been appointed Senior Adviser to the Director General of the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

IFA was founded in 1927. Today it is the largest international association of its type with about 525 members from 85 countries, including producers, exporters, importers and distributors of fertilizers. The association’s activities are aimed at promoting the development of the agrochemical industry and global agricultural production. The IFA Annual Conference is the main meeting platform for representatives of fertilizer manufacturers.

In her new post, Ms. Khangaldyan will carry out a number of functions. The key one will be the organization of information exchange in the fields of agrochemical industry and agricultural production between the IFA and all producers of mineral fertilizers in the CIS countries. Other important functions will include coordination of IFA contacts, mentoring conferences and other events in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and the development of other spheres of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ms. Khangaldyan commented on her appointment: "To represent a reputable international organization like IFA in the region is an honor but also a responsibility for URALCHEM Holding, as well as for me personally."

When announcing Nina Khangaldyan’s appointment, IFA’s Director General, Luc Maene, wished her success and emphasised the particular importance of further cooperation with countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, especially in light of the IFA Secretariat’s regional initiative to deepen the two-way interaction.