Abu Dhabi — On the sidelines of the International Food Show Africa (IFSA Africa), the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Tunisia, organized the UAE-Tunisia Agriculture and Food Forum to bolster economic collaboration between the two nations in food, supply chains, and food value chain technologies. The event was attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; Dr. Iman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; officials from public and private sectors of both countries; and representatives from international organizations and startups in agriculture and food security, including Al Islami Foods, Iveco, and Emirates Bio Farm.
H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the broad potential for enhancing UAE-Tunisia cooperation in food, agriculture, and food security sectors, emphasizing these as foundational to sustainable food security and boosting local production. He noted the UAE’s commitment to developing strategic partnerships in food manufacturing, modern agricultural technologies, and sustainable production practices.
“The UAE-Tunisia Food Business Forum provides a valuable platform to strengthen private sector communication, explore new partnerships, exchange expertise, and showcase the UAE’s achievements in food manufacturing, advanced agri-tech, and food security,” Bin Touq said.
He added that the UAE is advancing an economic cluster model with the food sector at its forefront, integrating agricultural production, food industries, and agri-tech into a collaborative system to enhance competitiveness and empower private enterprises.
Ambassador Dr. Iman Ahmed Al-Salami underscored the strong bilateral ties and the strategic role of the food industry in advancing the UAE’s food security and agri-tech vision. She highlighted UAE companies’ pioneering role in the region and the forum’s importance in fostering partnerships with key stakeholders. She also pointed to promising opportunities in manufacturing and biological products to further deepen economic cooperation.
The UAE’s food sector has seen significant growth, with its contribution to non-oil GDP expected to rise to 11% in 2024, supported by advances in food manufacturing, agri-tech investments, and enhanced local production. The broader food system is projected to generate USD 38.3 to 40 billion in 2024, with the food and beverage manufacturing sector expected to grow at a 5.1% CAGR through 2028.
During the forum, B2B sessions showcased opportunities in smart agriculture, food processing, packaging technologies, and food logistics. Participants discussed cooperation in agricultural research, food innovation, and investment potential in emerging technologies like alternative proteins, vertical farming, and smart supply chains.
The event fostered knowledge exchange and explored joint investments aimed at strengthening food security and economic growth. IFSA Africa is the continent’s premier annual food industry exhibition, bringing together stakeholders across the food value chain, held at Tunisia’s KRAM Expo Center.
