The recently concluded 6th International Trade Exhibition for Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries—Oman AgroFood 2024, held from 2nd to 4th December 2024 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat—marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices in the region. Under the esteemed patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the event brought together global and regional leaders, innovators, and business stakeholders.
A Spotlight on Regional Collaboration
A notable highlight of the expo was the active participation of the Asia Food Forum, which facilitated the presence of distinguished business delegates from Iran and Afghanistan. Their involvement reinforced Oman’s commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation to tackle shared challenges in agriculture and food security.
Mr. Sayed Ashraf Hashimi, Chairman of the Asia Food Forum, was among the special guests at the event. In his keynote address, Mr. Hashimi emphasized the critical role of regional collaboration in transforming agriculture and food systems. He warmly welcomed the Iranian and Afghan delegations, stating:
Oman AgroFood 2024 stands as a beacon of innovation and cooperation, uniting diverse stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and resilience in food systems across the region.
Building Bridges: Insights from Delegates
The Iranian and Afghan delegates engaged in fruitful discussions with Omani stakeholders, exploring opportunities for joint ventures in:
- Sustainable farming technologies: Including soilless cultivation and aquaponics.
- Seed development and preservation: Leveraging the expertise of the Oman Seed Bank.
- Fisheries management and global market access: Learning from Oman’s collaboration with the FAO in enhancing fish processing and marketing.
These conversations set the stage for new partnerships that could benefit not only Oman but the broader region.
Showcasing Innovation and Sustainability
Oman AgroFood 2024 provided a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. Highlights included:
- Renewable energy applications: Solar-powered net houses designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
- Water-efficient systems: Technologies aimed at optimizing irrigation and preserving water resources in arid climates.
- Value addition in fisheries: Advanced processing methods and market strategies to boost competitiveness in global fish markets.
A Venue Fit for Visionaries
Held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, a LEED-certified, state-of-the-art facility, the event drew praise for its seamless organization and world-class amenities. The venue provided an ideal setting for networking and knowledge exchange, overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens and water features that reflected Oman’s commitment to sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Oman AgroFood 2024 successfully united policymakers, innovators, and business leaders to create actionable pathways toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. The participation of regional delegates from Iran and Afghanistan added immense value, highlighting the power of cross-border collaboration.
As the Sultanate of Oman continues its ambitious journey toward food security and agricultural innovation, the impact of this expo will resonate for years to come, inspiring transformative advancements across Asia and beyond.
The Asia Food Forum and its Chairman, Mr. Sayed Ashraf Hashimi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and foster meaningful connections. The shared enthusiasm and commitment of all participants made Oman AgroFood 2024 a truly historic event.
We look forward to seeing the fruits of these collaborations and welcoming even more stakeholders to future editions of Oman AgroFood!