Morocco's state-owned phosphate group OCP and China's fertilizer additives supplier Hubei Forbon agreed to develop a new generation of eco-friendly fertilizers, OCP announced on Monday.

Under the partnership, the two companies will work together to develop a new generation of high added-value fertilizers such as biostimulants, sulfur fertilizers, fertilizers with micronutrients and water-soluble fertilizers, the OCP said in a statement.

They will also work to promote smart farming, thus ensuring optimal fertilizers management, the statement added.

The two sides are also discussing the creation of a Joint Research and Development Center in China, the statement said.

The OCP group, the world's largest phosphate exporter, is aiming at expanding its share of the Asian market.

In July 2016, the group opened an office in Beijing, capital of China, with the aim of developing ties with Chinese and other Asian stakeholders.