Kuwait strengthens food security strategy, maintains six-month basic stock coverage
. . . moves ahead with food, drug and water security initiatives
Kuwait is moving ahead with a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s food, drug and water security system, led by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as market indicators show stability in the availability of goods and strategic stocks, particularly essential commodities.
The developments are reflected in the broad outlines of the eighth periodic report expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers. As part of its continuing efforts to update data on the development of the food security system, the Ministry has instructed relevant officials in government agencies to submit their proposed initiatives within one week. The move is intended to complete coordination and follow-up procedures ahead of submitting the report to the Council of Ministers.
A key element of the strategy is the development of the social safety net and a review of existing supply sources for each food commodity. The authorities are also assessing potential risks that could affect the continued flow of supplies into Kuwait and seeking greater geographical diversification among food suppliers and distributors.
The strategy also includes measures to address local vulnerabilities and regional and global supply risks. The Kuwait Supply Company continues to conclude medium- and long-term contracts with different countries, an ongoing measure aimed at maintaining quality standards and stable stocks.
Under a Cabinet decision, the relevant government bodies are coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to update their initiatives under Kuwait’s food, drug and water security strategy and determine the implementation status of directives related to their follow-up and coordination.
These initiatives include improving the efficiency of local food production and marketing through projects designed to strengthen the agricultural products marketing system, alongside activating monitoring and regulatory procedures to control food prices.
Attracting investment in food storage
A second pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening strategic food reserves by facilitating procedures and establishing a framework to attract innovative, value-added global investment into the construction and operation of new food storage facilities.
In this regard, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority is in contact with several international companies involved in food security projects, with coordination also taking place with the relevant authorities.
Six-month coverage of basic food stocks
Efforts are continuing to maintain coverage of basic food stocks for at least six months on an ongoing basis through the project to finance the basic food reserve programme.
The strategy also calls for the establishment of a unified electronic platform to monitor supplies of food commodities and animal feed through a system affiliated with the General Administration of Customs. At the same time, measures are being taken to ensure adequate availability of essential food products that are not included in the general food reserve programme.
The initiatives further cover the development of logistical capabilities in transportation, storage and local food manufacturing, as well as identifying opportunities to expand Kuwait’s agricultural production base.
They also seek to improve the movement of food and animal feed commodities by enhancing customs clearance efficiency, while developing proactive emergency plans for crisis management and ensuring the smooth transportation of goods across Kuwait. School canteens and student nutrition are also included among the areas targeted for development.
Expanding local agricultural production
To improve the efficiency of local food production and marketing, the strategy includes identifying opportunities to expand agricultural production through a comprehensive study of the labour market in the agricultural sector.
The study will identify requirements for providing and managing workers for various modern agricultural activities, with the aim of improving existing production efficiency and reducing human-resource costs.
New standards for the food industry
The initiatives also provide for the issuance or review of technical specifications, regulations and codes of conduct governing and guiding the food industry and its various establishments, with the stated objective of promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The approach includes studying the introduction of a nutritional-ingredient list for each food product or prepared meal based on targeted nutritional standards, while taking into account differences in age groups and health conditions and coordinating the requirements with international standards.
The plan also includes displaying calorie information on menus at food establishments. Another key objective is the establishment of a national program to reduce food loss and waste.
The program is intended to coordinate national efforts to address food loss and waste, develop and oversee a long-term plan to reduce waste and make use of surplus food, with the participation of the private sector and civil society organisations.
