Page 35 - AA 2025 Year Book Summary

Oman

FAO Delegation Visits Oman to Strengthen China-Oman

Cooperation in Apiculture and Agricultural Innovation

A high-level delegation from the the Sultanate of Oman and its gov-
Food and Agriculture Organization ernment, particularly with the Min-
of the United Nations (FAO), led by istry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and
Mr. Anping Ye, Director of the South- Water Resources. He highlighted
South and Triangular Cooperation the strong collaboration between
Division (PST), concluded an official FAO Oman and the ministry through
visit to Oman aimed at enhancing several ongoing projects in agricul-
collaboration in the apiculture sector ture, aquaculture, and apiculture, as
and exploring opportunities for agri- operation plays for a sustainable well as initiatives aimed at enabling
cultural innovation. transformation of the apiculture sec-
tor in Oman. Through the project, we and empowering youth and women
The visit centered on a new project are bringing together Oman’s rich in food security-related projects. He
funded by the Government of China, apicultural traditions and China’s commended the ministry’s unwav-
through the FAO-China South-South expertise in agricultural innovation ering commitment to strengthening
Cooperation (SSC) Trust Fund, to to improve the quality and competi- and enriching the food security value
support the sustainable develop- tiveness of Omani honey in global chain.
ment of Oman’s apiculture industry. markets. This first collaborative visit
The project’s scope includes improv- underscores the deepening ties be- The FAO-supported project is ex-
ing the -value chain of Omani honey tween Oman and China and demon- pected to make a significant contri-
and related products, leveraging e- strates their shared commitment to bution to Oman’s agricultural sector
commerce platforms, and exploring innovation and mutual growth, in line by integrating digital technologies,
opportunities to export high-quality promoting sustainable farming prac-
Omani honey to the global market. with FAO’s goals of promoting sus- tices, and increasing the global
The initiative also aims to boost pro- tainable agriculture and economic market presence of Omani honey.
duction efficiency by introducing diversification.” With the support of both China and
modern agricultural technologies The delegation also engaged FAO, the project sets a model for
and sustainable practices, ultimately with several key stakeholders from cross-border partnerships that help
empowering local beekeepers to in- Oman’s private sector to discuss how developing nations enhance their
crease both production and the qual- the project could benefit local busi- agricultural industries, contributing
ity of Omani honey. nesses and facilitate market access to broader economic diversification
During their stay, the delegation for Omani honey, both domestically and sustainable growth.
met with H.E. Ahmed Al-Bakri, Un- and internationally. The South-South and Triangular
dersecretary of the Ministry of Ag- Additionally, the FAO delegation
riculture, Fisheries, and Water Re- met with representatives from the Cooperation Division (PST) of FAO
sources. Discussions focused on the Embassy of the People’s Republic of plays a crucial role in fostering part-
project’s objectives and its alignment China in Muscat. This meeting un- nerships between countries in the
with Oman’s broader agricultural de- derscored the importance of China- Global South, facilitating knowledge
velopment goals. The meeting also Oman collaboration, particularly in exchange and technical cooperation
explored additional areas for collab- agriculture, and highlighted the po- to promote sustainable development.
oration, including innovation in date tential for exchange visits between By supporting initiatives such as the
palm production and pest control Oman and China. These visits would one in Oman, PST helps strengthen
strategies. serve to deepen the implementation global collaboration networks, ben-
Speaking about the significance of of the project and foster the sharing efiting all participating member na-
the project during the delegation’s of technical expertise, ultimately tions. This visit also highlights the
visit, Mr. Anping Ye, Director of the strengthening the apiculture sector growing diplomatic ties between
South-South and Triangular Coop- in Oman and enhancing the global China and the Gulf Cooperation
eration Division (PST), said: competitiveness of Omani honey. Council (GCC), further solidifying
“This proposed FAO-China-Oman Dr. Thaer Yaseen, FAO Represen- China’s role in advancing agricul-
project highlights the pivotal role tative in Oman, expressed his pride tural innovation and sustainability in
that South-South and Triangular Co- in this exciting new partnership with the region.
Arab Agriculture 2025 33