Written by Nayla Barakat
Manama, June 20 (BNA) Australia is keen to enhance cooperation in the areas of food security, agriculture, technology transfer and mechanized agriculture with Bahrain.
Mark Donovan, the newly appointed Australian Ambassador to Bahrain, told BNA on the sidelines that it is necessary to discuss emerging challenges such as food security and to explore opportunities to enhance cooperation with Bahrain.
This came at a time when the visiting Australian delegation met with official and sector figures and discussed areas of common interest and how to deal with emerging challenges posed by issues such as food security.
“With issues such as climate change and when Gulf countries look to food security, Australia is keen to strengthen cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the ambassador said.
“The pandemic has been difficult, but Bahrain has successfully navigated these economic challenges and it is very encouraging to see a partnership between Australia and Bahrain in trade, investments and food security.”
Donovan said Australian exports to Bahrain are mostly driven by goods, and Australia ranks 21st among Bahrain’s exporting partners and ranks third as Australia’s import partner, highlighting current opportunities for Australian companies and the trade balance between the two sides.
There are strong foundations for a two-way partnership, especially since Bahrain is well known to Australia and vice versa. In terms of the attractiveness of Australian companies, Bahrain’s economy is well diversified in the region and offers ripe conditions for two-way trade and investment.”
The Australian Food Security event was held in collaboration with the MENA Investment Center where members of the visiting Australian delegation highlighted key aspects of food security, agriculture, land conservation, mechanized agriculture and technology transfer.
Andrew Trotter, CEO of the leading Australian farmers group, Aussie Farmers Mutual, gave a detailed presentation on the Australian farming sector and spoke about the benefits of mechanized farming and the insurance system for the Australian farming sector.
He also presented a case study on yield enhancement and efficiency of agricultural machinery and tools.
“Australia views cooperation with regional allies as critical in the fight against food security,” said Simon Harrison, Chairman and National Chair of Australia’s leading Australian and Bahraini Business Council.
The Bahrain government and its industries have been at the forefront of this logistical and technical battle and have a reputation for pride in this business. We now look forward to developing specific bilateral strategies with Bahrain to collaboratively intensify these joint efforts in these increasingly challenging times. We look forward to moving forward with 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 made it clear that they expect their government to make greater efforts in terms of mitigating climate change, particularly in relation to food security.
“Our absence has been notable, but our people have said we need to see real engagement and that the Australian-Bahrain relationship is capable of moving climate issues forward,” he said.
Domestically, Harrison praised the appointment of two new Muslim ministers to important positions under the new Australian federal government, in line with the expansion of Islamic finance in Australia, and Arabic becoming the third most spoken language in Australia.