Saudi Arabia: Food security is top priority,says official
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
19 July 2010


RIYADH - Food security has become top priority for Saudi Arabia, as the country is looking at a population increase of 15.4 percent during the next five-year period.

The increasing rate of population, rising personal income and sustained national economic growth helped Saudi Arabia import over SR65 billion worth of food and agricultural products in 2009 alone, according to a high-ranking official of Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC).

Saudi Arabia's food sector, the largest in the Gulf, continues to expand annually at a steady rate of 18.5 percent.

"Saudi Arabia is looking at a population increase of around 15.4 percent within the next five-year period and food security is thus among the top priorities under its long-term development agenda," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of REC's Saudi Agriculture Division.

He said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 - the 17th International Trade Show for Food Products will be organized from Oct. 4 to 7, 2010 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Daou said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will serve as a vital platform for Saudi leaders and policy-makers to meet and discuss solutions with the industry's food and agriculture figures and look for partnerships deals that can help satisfy food demand.

The event will attract regional and international exhibitors and manufacturers to explore opportunities offered by the Gulf's largest agricultural importer.

The exhibition offers valuable perspectives on how to pursue local agricultural and food prospects, he said.

By Shahid Ali Khan

© The Saudi Gazette 2010

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