In a strategic move aimed at ensuring the stability and abundance of food products in the Makkah region, the Makkah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture held an important coordination meeting with a number of major investors in the food sector. The meeting was chaired by Engineer Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Daghis, the branch's Director General, and attended by his deputy, Engineer Hassan bin Ibrahim Al-Mu'idi, the head of the Jeddah Fruit and Vegetable Brokers Association, and a select group of investors in the livestock, fruit and vegetable, and poultry sectors.
Strategic context: Food security at the heart of Vision 2030
This meeting comes within the framework of broader national efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which places food security at the forefront of its priorities. In light of global challenges facing supply chains, from climate change to geopolitical crises, the Kingdom seeks to build a resilient and sustainable food system based on enhancing local production, improving the efficiency of logistics services, and diversifying import sources. The Makkah region, with its religious significance and status as a destination for millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers annually, is considered a vital arena for implementing these strategies and ensuring their success.
Special importance of Mecca
Efforts to secure supply chains in Mecca are of paramount importance, as the region receives enormous numbers of pilgrims during Hajj, Umrah, and the holy month of Ramadan, placing immense pressure on the food system. Therefore, any improvement in the efficiency of these chains not only ensures food availability for residents and visitors but also reflects the Kingdom's ability to manage crowds and provide the best possible services—a national and religious duty.
Topics of discussion and challenges facing the sector
The meeting featured an open dialogue during which the most prominent challenges facing investors, both operational and regulatory, were reviewed. Ways to address these obstacles were discussed, including streamlining regulatory procedures, addressing common violations, and finding practical solutions. Several proposals and development ideas were also presented, aimed at improving the efficiency of food supply chains, enhancing integration between government entities and the private sector, and supporting investors to increase their investments and expand their operations.
Reaffirmation of the ongoing partnership
For his part, Engineer Waleed Al-Dughais affirmed that this meeting is part of the branch's ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with the private sector, which he described as a key partner in development. He explained that the ministry is working to create a stimulating investment environment by addressing challenges directly and immediately, thereby contributing to the stability of food supplies and raising the level of compliance with regulatory requirements. He added that the branch will continue to hold coordination meetings and conduct field visits to monitor the implementation of proposed solutions and ensure the highest levels of readiness to serve the region's residents and visitors.
