MCI adopts crucial measures to safeguard food security
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has implemented several crucial measures to safeguard food security in the nation, with key actions including the prohibition of egg and meat exports, as well as the restriction on slaughtering female livestock.
These decisions come amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea region and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, causing disruptions in global trade movements and supply chains.
The prevailing uncertainty poses a threat to a potential increase in commodity prices and global inflation rates.
According to a survey conducted by Al-Anba daily among industry experts, these measures are deemed beneficial for Kuwaiti consumers, particularly in light of the surge in maritime shipping costs. However, experts argue that for long-term effectiveness, these decisions must be accompanied by more comprehensive steps aimed at securing citizens’ nutritional needs through an integrated legislative and decision-making framework.
The experts pointed out that many countries in the region have taken proactive measures by acquiring substantial agricultural lands abroad and obtaining stakes in international food companies.
This strategic approach has transformed these nations into exporters of various food commodities to regional countries.
Mansour Al-Nazhan, Director of the Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that these decisions were carefully crafted after thorough field monitoring of the local market.
The goal behind measures like banning meat exports, preventing the slaughter of female livestock, and restricting egg exports is to uphold the country’s food security, especially given the rapid political changes and events in the region affecting transportation and trade.
The decision to prohibit the retailing of vegetables and fruits in small packages aims to achieve multiple consumer benefits, including reduced prices and the elimination of commercial fraud related to weight, origin, and type. The positive impact of these decisions is expected to be felt gradually over the next few weeks.
Fahd Al-Arbash, President of the Kuwaiti Union of Restaurant, Cafe, and Equipment Owners, lauded the food security decisions as positive steps for price stability and ensuring the availability of essential goods. He emphasized that such measures are commonly adopted worldwide during periods of high demand and short supply to preserve goods in the local market and prevent price hikes.
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Abdullah Al-Baijan, President of the Kuwait Food Federation, stressed the need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to food security, beyond temporary decisions. He highlighted the importance of legislation and decisions that guarantee sustained food security, calling for the establishment of strategic warehouses and the development of food industries in the country.
Al-Baijan urged Kuwait to emulate other regional countries by investing in international food companies and securing significant agricultural areas to ensure the nation’s long-term food security.
