ABU
DHABI -- The Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the UAE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Embassy and Western Australian
State Trade Office, have hosted an evening discussion on food security in the
UAE.
The
Honourable Ken Baston, MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food - Fisheries and
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Permanent Representative to the International
Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, and Director of Energy and Climate Change, DECC
Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed business and community
leaders attending the forum on food security risks specific to the UAE and
actions taken to address these issues. The discussion also focused on
Australia’s role in realising the UAE’s food security through trade and
investment opportunities.
"The
UAE imports 90 percent of its food, and, with continuing population growth,
food imports are expected to increase even further," Dr. Al Zeyoudi said.
"This represents a major challenge for the UAE, with the increasing
extreme weather events caused by climate change which will have direct
implications for the UAE’s food supply in the long-term."
During
the forum, Dr. Al Zeyoudi explained how the UAE has been diversifying its food
sources and investing in agricultural projects and technologies. The country is
also contributing to international sustainability and facilitating dialogues
for practical solutions, like the forum. Mr. Baston stressed the importance of
bilateral ties and discussed how Australia has become an important strategic
partner to the UAE in addressing food security issues.
"Business
leaders in the UAE and Australia have been working closely together to
establish joint development projects specifically in food security and
logistics services," Baston said. "Australia as a major food exporter
has developed cutting edge technologies and we are eager to work with the UAE
in enhancing its food security through knowledge sharing."
Kim
Debenham, Charge d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy, said, "The
Australian Embassy welcomes this chance to explore opportunities for
cooperation with the UAE on the important topic of food security. Australia
exports more than half of its agricultural produce, and our food exports to the
UAE have increased significantly over the past few years. For example, meat
exports have increased from AU$188 million in 2012 to $271 million in 2014.
There are significant bilateral trade and investment opportunities which arise
from food security imperatives and we look forward to exploring how to maximise
these."
Australian
Business Group Chairman, Ellecia Saffron, said, "Australia and the UAE
share many things, including strong cultural values of innovation and
collaboration. The Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi is designed and
committed to connecting the two countries, and those within them, on all
relevant trade and business areas. We work closely with the Australian Embassy
and Austrade as well as the Australian Business Community, and it’s that
collaboration that makes events like this today possible. We hope to have a
positive contribution to a long and fruitful relationship between Australia and
the UAE."
The
Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi regularly collaborates with the UAE on
sustainability initiatives. Recent events have included Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision,
Expo 2020 Update and the Etihad Business Model Update.
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