Date: 23 Nov, 2020
Location: Virtual E-sessions
The SIAL Middle East exhibition is one of the most leading events in the food and beverage sector, and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development has been keen to participate in events that support the food security march and strengthen the relationship with investment and agricultural development partners.
In this context and for the fourth consecutive year, the Arab Authority participated in the SIAL Middle East Exhibition 2020, which was held in the form of virtual E-sessions during the period 23 – 27 November 2020. This comes in line with the current conditions that the world is witnessing in light of the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic and international restrictions imposed on travel, and in order to adhere to the health and safety procedures and measures followed to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
His Excellency Mohammad bin Obaid Al Mazrooei, President of the Arab Authority, delivered a speech during the first session of the event, through which he offered a lot of thanks and appreciation to those in charge of organizing the exhibition, praising their professionalism and support for the organization during the past years. HE also thanked all the participants and attendees who joined from all over the world to participate in this vital event.
The President also added that while the year 2020 is a year full of challenges that motivated scientists, technologists and agricultural experts to create and find innovative mechanisms and technologies in various sectors and fields. Further explaining that the unprecedented spread of the Covid-19 virus has stimulated multiple innovative and creative efforts to overcome the financial, social, economic and environmental challenges that affected individuals, companies, and governments.
His Excellency also stated that AAAID adopted a new and enhanced strategic plan for agricultural investment, where the criteria for all investment opportunities and new projects are set based on bench-marking with best global practices. The flexibility of the new strategic plan enables AAAID to respond to unforeseen changes in a timely and appropriate manner.
AAAID has also launched an initiative for fulfilling the urgent demand of Arab countries for basic food commodities through its affiliate companies and their intra-Arab partners, resulting in increased agriculture trade. The initiative was a consequence of Covid-19 and the break-down of international trade and food supply due to limited mobility. The goal is to secure the nutrition needs of the Arab nations and rid them of the fear of food shortages.
His Excellency also expressed that AAAID and its affiliate companies create and implement numerous sustainable models that assist in increasing agricultural production and productivity, promote socio-economic development, protect the environment and build a skilled workforce through training and capacity building programs. Whereby, AAAID currently has invested in 6 companies in the UAE. Three of which are currently operational, while the rest are in various stages of establishment. The total value of AAAID’s investments in the UAE reaches about AED 343 million in corporate assets.
In conclusion, His Excellency the President of AAAID invited companies, financial institutions, agricultural organizations and governments to join the Arab Authority in combining knowledge and experience to improve current practices and focus on creating innovative and sustainable methods that support the advancement of the agricultural sector and thus reach global food security.
