KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: Kuwait emphasized its commitment to food security and sustainable agriculture while supporting farmers to increase production, Acting Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, said Wednesday.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem made the remarks during the opening of the 37th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers’ Meeting on Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security, hosted by Kuwait. He underscored the importance of modern agricultural technologies, including year-round greenhouse cultivation and soilless farming systems, to help farmers overcome harsh climatic conditions and meet growing regional food demands.

“The State of Kuwait attaches great importance to food security and the sustainability of agricultural resources by harnessing all capabilities and encouraging farmers,” Al-Mukhaizeem said. He added that the meeting is taking place amid sensitive regional and international circumstances, with escalating global economic challenges affecting food security, increasing member states’ responsibility to coordinate policies and develop resilient agricultural strategies.

The minister said the meeting aims to define a roadmap for joint agricultural cooperation, reflecting the collective will to safeguard the future of Gulf populations through an integrated food security system and actionable strategies.

Khaled Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC, noted that the gathering comes amid recurring global supply chain disruptions, economic fluctuations, and climate pressures. He stressed that GCC states continue to advance their agricultural sectors despite challenges, including water scarcity, limited arable land, and harsh climates.

Al-Sunaidi highlighted that the GCC agricultural sector achieved an annual growth rate of 6.8 percent in 2024, contributing approximately 1.8 percent to member states’ GDP and 2.5 percent of non-oil GDP. Intra-GCC trade in agricultural and fishery products reached around $5 billion, reflecting an annual growth rate of 7.4 percent, underscoring the Gulf market’s strategic role as a platform for food trade.

During the meeting, ministers reviewed strategic plans, joint project developments, human capacity-building programs, and initiatives to unify agricultural policies. Discussions included the Gulf Food Security Strategy, the Gulf Plant Genetic Resources Bank project, studies on farm management and productivity in cooperation with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and regulations to ensure the safety of agricultural and animal products.

Ministers agreed on continued cooperation, implementation of agreed initiatives, and promotion of Gulf economic collaboration to strengthen regional and global food security.

Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem