In the presence of Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, two new projects were signed. These projects aim to launch a master plan for agricultural and rural development in South Sinai and to develop the olive value chain in Egypt.
The agreements were signed on behalf of the Egyptian side by Dr. Adel Abdel-Azim, President of Agricultural Research Center, and Dr. Hossam Shawky, President of Desert Research Center.
Mr. Alaa Farouk stated that the South Sinai development project represents a significant step toward empowering local communities, particularly youth and women, and serves as a means to provide decent, sustainable livelihoods through the optimal utilization of the governorate’s natural resources.
The Minister of Agriculture directed that focus be placed on the olive value chain and the expansion of cultivated areas, particularly for oil-bearing varieties, and called for the development of a comprehensive plan to boost olive productivity and enhance competitiveness in both local and international markets.
For his part, Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer commended the cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the Egyptian government would be provided with the necessary information and studies to formulate a strategy ensuring sustainable economic growth and food security.
