Ibn Touq: Wide prospects between the Emirates and Tunisia to enhance cooperation in food, agriculture and food security

Abu Dhabi, July 14 / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, confirmed that the UAE and sister Tunisia enjoy wide prospects to enhance bilateral cooperation in the food, agriculture and food security sectors.

He pointed out that these sectors represent an essential pillar in the efforts of the two countries to achieve sustainable food security and enhance local production, in light of the UAE’s keenness to upgrade the level of economic cooperation with Tunisia during the next stage, by developing strategic partnerships in the areas of food manufacturing, modern agriculture technology, and sustainable practices in food production.

This came during the “Emirati Tunisian Forum for Agriculture and Food” organized by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in coordination with the Embassy of the UAE in Tunisia, on the sidelines of the “International Food Industries Africa Exhibition-Ifsa Africa”, with the aim of strengthening the economic partnership between the UAE and Tunisia in the food sectors and supply chains, and technologies related to food value chains.

The forum was attended by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al -Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; And His Excellency Dr. Iman Ahmed Al -Salami, the UAE ambassador to the Tunisian Republic, and a number of officials from government agencies and the private sector in both countries, as well as representatives of international institutions and emerging companies in the agricultural and food security sectors, the most prominent of which are the Islamic Food, Evo, and Emirate Pio Farm.
His Excellency Ibn Touq said that the forum is an important opportunity to enhance communication between Emirati and Tunisian companies, and to explore new opportunities and partnerships in the relevant sectors, by exchanging experiences and experiences in developing the food value chain, and creating sustainable solutions to food security, pointing out that it is a distinct platform to highlight the UAE’s efforts in developing the food sector, and highlighting the leading possibilities of the state in the areas of food manufacturing, advanced agricultural technologies, And sustainable food security projects.
His Excellency explained that the UAE is heading today towards the model of economic gatherings in several sectors as part of its future economic vision, pointing out that the economic gathering of food is at the forefront, as it brings together agricultural production, food industries and modern agricultural technology in one system based on cooperation and integration, in order to enhance the level of competitiveness and empowerment of private sector companies working in the field of food and all related activities.
For its part, His Excellency Dr. Iman Ahmed Al -Salami, the UAE’s ambassador to the Tunisian Republic, stressed the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the importance of the food industries sector in serving the state’s strategy for food security and its future vision in supporting agricultural technology, as Emirati companies represent a leading model in the region in this field, noting that the forum constitutes a platform to discuss opportunities for the Emirati -Tunisian partnership in the presence of the most important pioneering economic bodies from the two countries.
She added that there are various fields in manufacturing industries and biological products that provide promising opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries and raise it to more advanced levels.

The food and activities associated with it in the UAE witnessed remarkable growth during the last period, as preliminary estimates indicate its contribution to the state’s non -oil GDP during 2024 by about 11%, compared to estimates in 2023 that did not exceed 10%, driven by the expansion of food manufacturing, increased investments in agricultural technology, and enhancing local production.

Expectations also indicate the increase in the revenue of the food system, including production, treatment, distribution, retail, hospitality and logistical services, to an estimated 38.3 to 40 billion dollars during 2024, and it is expected that the food and beverage manufacturing sector will continue this momentum, achieving an annual growth rate of 5.1% until 2028.

In detail, the forum witnessed the organization of dialogue sessions and work meetings that brought together Emirati and Tunisian companies and institutions, during which they reviewed investment opportunities in smart agriculture, food processing, packaging technologies, and logistical services associated with the food sector.

The sessions also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of agricultural research and food innovation, and stimulate investment in new food technologies such as alternative proteins, vertical agriculture, and smart supply chains.

During the forum, Emirati and Tunisian companies reviewed the most prominent investment opportunities in the agricultural and food industries sector, exploring the opportunities available in the local market for both countries, discussing future cooperation opportunities and exchanging experiences between representatives of the government and private sectors, in order to support the development of the food security system and enhance joint investments in this vital field.

The International Food Exhibition – IFSA – is the largest annual exhibition for food industries in the African continent.

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