Food production in the GCC has long faced obstacles ranging from water scarcity to a lack of arable soil – factors that are being exacerbated by climate change. Prior to Covid-19, imports accounted for 85% of the region’s collective food needs. However, the disruption to global supply chains precipitated by the pandemic – as well as the more recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia – has underlined the need to invest in production capacity and supportive technological solutions. Large pools of public funds are being channelled towards enhancing the ecosystems for innovation in agri-tech and food production. At the same time, well-established food companies are increasingly open to M&A and partnership opportunities to boost production. While the investment potential in agri-tech in the GCC is considerable, investors are also mindful of the inherent sustainability risks. With climate change worsening the environment for agriculture, and the food industry contributing around 30% of global carbon emissions, new technologies will be important not only for mitigating existing risk, but also for generating sustainable approaches to cultivating natural resources.
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×Food security became a central priority for many emerging markets in 2022, against the post-Covid-19 pandemic backdrop of supply chain shocks, natural disasters and high commodity prices.
The Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has spent the last week in the US hoping to garner support for economic reforms at home and trade concessions for Turkish exports to the US.
