Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has praised strong economic ties between the kingdom and the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) during a visit to the plant by senior members of the Asean diplomatic corps based in the Kingdom.

"Alba remains committed to increasing its footprint in Asia in general and the Asean countries in particular," said chief executive Laurent Schmitt.

"We have recently set up a sales office in Hong Kong to bolster our marketing efforts and tap demands of a growing customer base in the region," he added.

"It was a privilege to meet senior diplomats and share with them the success the company has experienced so far, and the confidence we have in seeing substantial growth in the coming years."

The Asean ambassadors were later given an extended tour of the smelter and a presentation on the company's environmental commitment, safety policies, and adherence to quality, corporate and social responsibility initiatives as well as contribution to the national economy.