The headquarters of the International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA),was officially inaugurated in Dubai, UAE by HE Mrs.Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. The ceremony was held at the Al Etihad Museum, the Guest of Honor included HE Mr. Oussama Abdel Rahman Kaissi, CEO of The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC). The ceremony also gathered dignitaries, state representatives from Member States and Business Leaders. The Key Speakers included the Director General of IOFS and Chairman of IFPA, HE Prof. Yerlan Alimzhanuly Baidaulet and the CEO of International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) Mr.Saleh Lootah .
As food security continues to be propelled into the global agenda, H.E. Mariam Almheiri, emphasised the UAE's commitment to environmental stewardship and addressing the challenges of food security, at the inauguration ceremony.
The new headquarters, formed under the Dubai Association Centre, is envisioned to hold a key role in shaping the future of the global Islamic food industry. As HE Mr.Oussama Abdel Rahman Kaissi, highlighted, “ ICIEC remains committed to building on its Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with IFPA in September 2021 to promote agri-food projects and investments in member states. After all, we share the common goal of fostering commercial contacts and strategic alliances in the wider food supply chain as well as the expansion of export markets to boost also intra-OIC food trade and investment,” the Guest of Honor stated.
Prof. Yerlan Baidaulet, Director General of the IOFS and Chairman of IFPA also presented his vision of the role of IFPA in the OIC. “IFPA should achieve its goal of self-sufficiency within next two years, as well as launch working mechanisms on developing agri-food trade and promoting investment within OIC geography, improve the continuous interactions of IFPA members among themselves, support them in upgrading their businesses and moving to the next level of development.”
Mr. Saleh Lootah, CEO of IFPA and Chairman of the UAE F&B Manufacturing Group, added, "As the world grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing global food landscape, IFPA's headquarters in the UAE, sends a strong message of solidarity and cooperation. Under the guidance of IOFS, we will strive to create synergies among the OIC food sector to promote intra-OIC trade to ensure food security for all members and the global community. By pooling resources and expertise, the international community of food producers can realise its full potential and ensure the production and distribution of safe, high-quality halal foods that meet the needs of consumers worldwide."
To conclude, the esteemed guests and speakers all stood strong in underscoring the importance of collaboration and cooperation to strengthen intra-OIC solidarity and achieving common strategic goals in the global agenda.
