Bahrain, Australia explore opportunities in food security, agriculture

By Nayla Barakat Manama, June 20 (BNA): Australia is keen on enhancing cooperation in areas of food security, agriculture, transfer of technology and mechanized farming with Bahrain. Mark Donovan, the newly-appointed Australian Ambassador of Australia to Bahrain told Bahrain News Agency on the sidelines that it was imperative to deliberate upon the evolving challenges such as food security and explore the opportunities to enhance cooperation with Bahrain. This came as the visiting Australian delegation met with official and sectoral figures and discussed shared areas of interest and how to deal with evolving challenges posed by issues such as Food Security. “With issues like climate change and when the Gulf countries are looking at food security, Australia is keen to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the ambassador said. “The pandemic has been difficult, but Bahrain has navigated through these economic challenges successfully and it is very encouraging to see partnership between Australia and Bahrain in trade, investments, and food security.” Australian exports to Bahrain are mostly commodity driven and Australia ranks 21st among Bahrain's exporting partners and ranks 3rd as Australia’s importing partner, Donovan said while highlighting the existing opportunities for Australian businesses and balance of trade between the two sides. “There are strong foundations for setting up a two-way partnership, especially Bahrain is well-known to Australia and vice versa. In terms of attractiveness for Australian businesses, Bahrain's economy is well-diversified in the region and offers ripe conditions for two-way trade and investments.” The Australian Food Security event was held in cooperation with the Mena Investment Centre wherein the members of the visiting Australian delegation shed light on the major aspects of the food security, agriculture, land conservation and mechanized farming to transfer of technology. Andrew Trotter, CEO of leading Australian Farmers Group, Aussie Farmers Mutual, conducted a detailed presentation on the Australian agriculture sector and talked about the benefits of the mechanized farming and insurance system to the Australian agriculture sector. He also presented a case study on yield enhancement and efficiency of agriculture machinery and tools. “Australia views collaborating with regional allies as crucial in combating Food Security,” Simon Harrison, Chairman and National President of Australia’s leading Australia and Bahrain Business Council, said. “The Government of Bahrain and its industries have been at the forefront of this logistical and technical battle and have a proud reputation in this work. We now look forward to developing specific bilateral strategies with Bahrain to collaboratively step up these joint efforts in these increasingly challenging times. We look forward to advancing these discussions held on Monday during the event.” On the issue of climate change and food security Harrison said that with the new Australian government and parliament, the Australian people have clearly stated that they expect their government to make greater efforts in respect to climate change abatement, particularly as it relates to Food Security. “We have been noticeable by our absence, but our peoples have said we need to see real engagement and the Australian-Bahrain relationship is capable of advancing climate issues,” he said. On a domestic note, Harrison applauded the appointment of two new Muslim Ministers with significant portfolios under the new Australian Federal Government, consistent with the expansion of Islamic finance in Australia and Arabic becomes Australia’s third most widely used language in Australia.