February 1, 2022

Saudi agriculture minister calls for aquaculture's development to support food security

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, witnessed on January 30 the launch of the three-day Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC) in Riyadh.

The conference also saw the participation of several Arab ministers concerned with fisheries, as well as representatives from 30 countries, 70 international and local companies, and international and local businessmen.

In his opening speech of the conference, Al-Fadhli said that the increasing population growth and harmful practices to the marine environment and their direct impact on fish stocks are factors that necessitate the development of the aquaculture industry to achieve food security and sustainability.

Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, chief executive officer of the National Fisheries Development Program, said that the conference tackles several important points.

He added that on the first day, 50 promising Saudi investment opportunities were displayed on the sidelines of the exhibition accompanying the conference, while in the coming days, four scientific sessions and 12 specialised technical workshops will be held with participation of 50 international speakers.

- Saudi Gazette