Mohammad Ahmad Al Bawardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs (left), and Mariam Bint Hareb Al Muhairy, Minister of State for Food Security (right)
Three MoUs signed at Agriscape 2018
Abu Dhabi: The opening day of the second edition of Agriscape, the international exhibition dedicated to agricultural investments abroad, has witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that aim to foster multi-faceted collaboration in strengthening the global food security system.
The two-day Agriscape 2018 started on Monday at Rosewood Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The first MoU inked between the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi (DED), the Food Security Centre — Abu Dhabi (FSCAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda, aims to promote collaboration in food security and agricultural development between the UAE and Uganda. Saif Mohammad Al Hajri, Chairman of DED; Mohammad Ahmad Al Bawardi, CEO of FSCAD, and Vincent Ssempijja, Ugandan Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, signed the deal.
Under the MoU, the two countries will exchange information on agricultural and rural development policies and initiate dialogue on the establishment of a 2,500-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Uganda, where UAE-based private companies can invest in areas related to large-scale agricultural development and food security.
Signed between the Office of the UAE Minister of State for Food Security and Aldahra Holding, the second MoU seeks to step up collaboration in the implementation of the National Strategy for Future Food Security as well as the development of a national action plan to strengthen the UAE’s food security through leveraging the latest scientific knowledge and technologies. Mariam Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Food Security and Khadim Al Darei, the vice-chairman and co-founder of Aldahra Holding, signed the deal.
The third MoU was inked between Aldahra Holding and Emirates Nature-WWF to support environmental sustainability programmes and initiatives that protect nature and wildlife in the UAE.
Al Bawardi said: “In line with the emphasis placed by the UAE leadership on the availability of a sustainable food supply, FSCAD has prioritised forging regional and global partnerships in the food security domain and encouraging private sector organisations to invest in this vital sector. We are keen to share our expertise in food security with like-minded countries.”
The MoUs signed during Agriscape 2018 are in line with the event’s objective of enhancing national food security, a top priority of the national development agenda. Furthermore, they highlight the UAE’s pioneering status in leveraging promising investment opportunities in agribusiness to ensure the sustainability of food supply under all circumstances.
Agriscape 2018 has drawn the participation of 53 exhibitors associated with agri-land and other agri-assets in more than 50 countries. The exhibition has also attracted 300 investors including 100 hosted buyers from all over the world.
