CAIRO - 5 May 2026: The Egyptian-Dutch Agricultural Partnership Conference opened this morning, with the participation of Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, along with representatives from both governments, senior officials, the private sector, and research institutions.
This high-level event comes within the framework of the Egyptian government's efforts to localize modern agricultural technologies and develop the seed production system, serving the goals of sustainable food security.
High-Level attendance and shared interest
The summit was opened by Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, in the presence of the Dutch Minister of Trade, along with a host of government officials, experts, and researchers from academic and research institutions in both countries.
This high-level representation reflects the strategic importance of developing bilateral relations in the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of both countries' economies.
Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, affirmed that the agricultural partnership between Egypt and the Netherlands represents a practical model of integration based on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and stimulating private sector investment.
He emphasized that agriculture has become a fundamental pillar for achieving food security, economic development, and adapting to climate change.
During his address at the conference, the Minister highlighted the depth of the strategic relationship between the two countries in the agricultural sector.
He explained that holding the conference under the theme "Reaping the Fruits of Success" reflects a shared belief in the importance of developing the agricultural sector and strengthening its role in achieving social stability.
He further explained that the Netherlands possesses advanced global expertise in agricultural innovation, water management, greenhouse technology, seeds, value chains, and food processing, while Egypt has significant potential in terms of human resources, geographic location, markets, and investment opportunities, which enhances the potential for integration between the two sides.
The Minister noted that the conference, through its various sessions, will discuss a number of priority issues, including developing the seed sector, sustainable water management, promoting smart agricultural extension services, expanding greenhouse farming, linking scientific research with practical application, developing food supply chains and processing, reducing losses, and increasing added value.
Issues of Biodiversity, Soil and Water Salinity
He added that the discussions will also address issues of biodiversity, soil and water salinity, developing food systems to achieve sustainability, encouraging agricultural investment, and opening new avenues for partnerships between financial institutions and the private sector.
The Minister emphasized the importance of the research and scientific dimension in supporting this partnership, noting that the Agricultural Research Center hosted a workshop as a prelude to signing a memorandum of understanding with Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands. This memorandum aims to develop a joint four-year action plan linking scientific research with the needs of agricultural development.
He explained that this workshop, which adopted the "Global Café" methodology, aims to build collaborative networks among experts, enhance knowledge exchange, and formulate actionable recommendations in the areas of water management, horticulture, seeds, soil, biodiversity, and post-harvest technologies.
He pointed out that the conference is witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Agricultural Research Center and the Dutch side, which will solidify the institutional framework for cooperation and pave the way for the implementation of joint projects with a tangible impact on the ground.
The Minister of Agriculture affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on supporting agricultural scientific research, considering it a key driver for developing the sector, increasing productivity, and achieving food security.
He pointed out that this approach enjoys the full support of the political leadership, which emphasizes the importance of innovation and scientific research in achieving sustainable development and building a modern agricultural sector capable of meeting challenges.
The Minister expressed his hope that the conference would yield practical visions, genuine partnerships, and feasible projects that contribute to supporting farmers, youth, and the national economy. He stressed the importance of continued Egyptian-Dutch cooperation to achieve a sustainable agricultural future based on science, trust, and partnership.
This summit comes at a vital time, as both sides seek to formulate a joint roadmap that ensures the flow of innovations from Dutch laboratories to Egyptian fields.
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