Regional Network of Experts highlighted the role of trade as an enabler for food security

Cairo, 26 September 2022 It is imperative to mainstream and develop institutional capacities for fostering the resilient agrifood systems and strengthening the role of regional trade as urgent and vital enablers for food security in the Near East and North African Region; stated the Communique issued by members of the FAO Regional Network of Experts on Agriculture Trade (RNE-AT).

Housed at the FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa, the Network is comprised of the experts from variety of stakeholders, convening in their individual capacities. It is intended to serve as knowledge powerhouse on research, analysis, capacity building and policy pathways for public and private sector on issues related to agricultural trade and related policies including regional and multilateral trade agreements. 

The Network provides a neutral and independent platform for, i) knowledge and experience exchange on agricultural trade and related issues affecting NENA countries, ii) enhancing the quality and relevance of agricultural trade research and strengthen collaboration among experts for analysis, capacity development and other initiatives in the NENA region, iii) strengthening the capacities to provide technical advice and policy recommendations to governments and the private sector, and iv) improving communication and information sharing on agriculture trade policy issues with the wider community. 

The Communiqué recognized food security challenges being faced by countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region and the importance of improving agriculture production, productivity and infrastructure, open and predictable markets and trade in order to mitigate multifaceted short and long-term risks and improving food security in the region.

The importantcontribution of the international organizations such as the FAO, WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, and others, to enhance and promote the countries efforts on multilateral bases of cooperation is recognized.

The Communiqué called upon member countries to deploy efforts towards enhancing agriculture, production, productivity and facilitating trade, particularly between countries of the region; Facilitating trade and improving the functioning and resilience of global markets for food and agriculture, particularly for vital commodities such as cereals, fertilizers, and other agriculture production inputs are key, as outlined in the WTO Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food Security.