UAE seeks more investments in agriculture and food security sector

UAE Deputy Head of Mission to Korea Eisa Al Samahi, center, poses with officials from Korean and Emirati companies and governments during the UAE Agriculture and Food Security Workshop at a hotel in Seoul, Friday. Fourth from left are Wassim Youssef, adviser to the UAE minister of climate change and environment, Al Samahi and Lee Yoon-seok, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) representative-Korea market. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Seoul

Deputy Head of Mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Korea Eisa Al Samahi underscored the significance of addressing food security concerns, Friday, while emphasizing collaborative endeavors between the United Arab Emirates and Korea.

During the UAE Agriculture and Food Security Workshop held at a Seoul hotel, Al Samahi urged increased interest and investment in the field. The workshop, resulting from 13 memorandums of understanding (MOUs), symbolizes the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and offers enticing prospects for Korean businesses in the UAE.

Al Samahi emphasized the significance of recent workshops that introduced the UAE's advanced technology industry and investment ecosystem to Korean stakeholders, aiming to foster further collaborative opportunities.

"These efforts underscore the strong ties between our nations and offer valuable opportunities for Korean enterprises in the UAE," he said.

Al Samahi pointed to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Seoul in October, describing it as a historic milestone. This agreement, the first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern nation, is set to enhance economic relations, diversify bilateral trade and strengthen cooperation in energy and advanced industries.

UAE Deputy Head of Mission to Korea Eisa Al Samahi gives an opening speech during the UAE Agriculture and Food Security Workshop at a hotel in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Seoul

"The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks a significant step forward in our economic collaboration," Alsamahi said. "It opens new doors for cooperation in various sectors and sets the stage for a deeper and more diversified partnership."

In preparation for COP28, the UAE has identified seven areas to assist farmers in adapting to climate change and mitigating emissions from agriculture. These areas include improving weather forecasts, digital agricultural extension services, climate-responsive social protection programs, rainwater harvesting techniques training, microbial fertilizers to reduce emissions, innovations to reduce livestock methane emissions and alternative proteins.

Al Samahi expressed the UAE's commitment to supporting agriculture and food security, stating, "Our preliminary set of innovation areas showcases our dedication to assisting millions of farmers in adapting to climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture practices."

During the seminar workshop, the UAE ministry, along with relevant representatives, shared insights into current trends and related strategic policies on agriculture and food security. The aim is to propose the establishment of sustainable partnerships with Korean entities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in these crucial sectors.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the UAE Embassy in Seoul are actively advancing public-private partnerships in sustainable agriculture and food security. This workshop represents a significant step in leveraging economic diplomacy skills to fortify the agricultural and food sectors in the UAE, providing crucial access to vital knowledge, expert guidance and practical experiences.