The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food to collaborate on developing sustainable and resilient food systems that enhances food security for both countries, official sources have said.
The signing of the MoU reportedly coincided with the visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to the UAE.
UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri and France’s Ambassador to the UAE Xavier Chatel signed the MoU at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two ministries are expected to collaborate to facilitate bilateral trade in agricultural and food products, as well as contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural production with a focus on innovation and the agroecological transition of production methods.
They will also be expected to join forces to combat food waste and loss, while building capacities and sharing knowledge in food and agricultural technologies.
To achieve these objectives, the signatories will reportedly endeavor to streamline the supply chains for essential agricultural and food products.
They are also expected to create connections between agri-food companies, importers, and distributors in the two countries, encourage them to explore opportunities for partnerships, and promote all forms of mutually beneficial government and private sector cooperation.
To upscale food entrepreneurship, the two ministries also reportedly agreed to jointly enhance their countries’ appeal to food startups through driving innovation in tackling food security challenges and creating attractive business opportunities, in addition to leveraging incubation programs and other incentives to support business expansion.
The MoU also entails joint implementation of R&D and training programs in food security, sharing input for protocols to reduce food waste, and fostering sustainable agricultural production, particularly with regard to geographical indications and organic agriculture.
Representatives of the two ministries will be expected to hold regular meetings to monitor progress on the areas covered under the agreement.