04 Oct 2023

Nass: Strengthening Arab Food Security for a Sustainable Future

Chairman of the Union of Arab Chambers, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber Sameer Nass, emphasized the importance of including the concept of food security in security strategies of Arab countries. He called for intensified joint Arab efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy for food security under the umbrella of the Arab League, with the goal of creating a food basket that enjoys agricultural abundance, water resources, and efficient logistical procedures for the speedy transportation of food among brotherly countries. This came at a speech he delivered during the Arab Food Security Conference and Exhibition themed "Food Industries and Their Role in Achieving Food Security," being held in Marrakech under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Nass pointed out the importance of intensifying agricultural investments and developing production and storage capacities, stressing the need to support scientific research in food production.  He also highlighted that Bahrain attaches great importance to the issue of food security and achieving self-sufficiency, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He added that the Bahrain Chamber during its 30th term, has included mechanisms pursued in partnership with the public sectors, to achieve safe levels of food security based on a clear long-term strategy.

On his part, Dr. Khaled Hanafi, the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, emphasized the importance of establishing an Arab commodities exchange, as well as creating an Arab crisis fund to help address the burdens resulting from crises. He also stressed the need to establish an Arab food program to assist victims of disasters and food emergencies.

Khalid Al-Amin, the Head of the Food Sector Committee at the Bahrain Chamber, explained that the food industries are vital and strategic sectors for maintaining Arab food security, particularly in light of the current global crises, climate change, disruptions in the shipping sector, and supply chains due to the crises faced by the international community. He highlighted the importance of achieving economic integration in relevant sectors in the agricultural field to develop food industries that achieve self-sufficiency in food commodities and significantly contribute to overall economic growth.

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