The sixth international Exhibition for Agriculture in Morocco          The 35th annual meeting of AAAID shareholders          Announcing the formation of the Arab Agricultural Investment Holding Company in the presence of His Highness Mr. Mustafa Jasim Al-Shamali Kuwaiti minister of finance

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The Field Day
 

AAAID has arranged in 28 October 2010 a field day in the site of the Arab Sudanese for Agriculture in Blue Nile (Agadi) in the presence of the governor of the state ,HE Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forests ,HE governor of Sinar State , Senior Federal officials and some states Ministers , the regional and international organizations , accredited Arab ambassadors in Sudan , numbers of local and external investors ,Scientists , interested persons, agric banks managers, companies representatives and the related associations beside press and media.

The delegations arrived in Aldmazin city the capital of the state on two aircrafts and they were received by HE lieutenant general Malik Aqar , governor of the state and his government crew , and then they moved in large convoy and visited the crops fields in Agadi which managed by the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile agricultural Company , the residents were gathered at the outskirts of the city to meet the delegation.

The delegation started their visit by the first farm which allocated for sorghum which was in the stage of harvest ,promising a high productivity , the presence expressed their satisfaction not only for the high quality of the production but also they confirmed that it is the best production in the rain fed sector in Sudan .
The delegation have also seen harvest operations of Sesame, cotton, sunflower and Millet, praising the Brazilian company experiment , which is specialist in cotton and soybean producing ,as a fruit of joint venture.
In this regard, his Excellency Mr. Ali Saeed Alsharhan has stated to Aljazeera channel expressing his satisfaction to what he had seen, inviting the investors and those who are interested in Arab food security to come to Sudan and benefited of AAAID’s experiment in agric investment (Agadi company is an example).

and from his side his Excellency Doctor Abdulhalim Almutaafi the Minister of Agriculture and forests has praised in a press statement the role of AAAID in introducing new technologies as ideal solution to resolve low productivity problem in the rain fed sector in Sudan , emphasizing his willingness to transfer technology into the different rain fed areas in Sudan .
The governor of the state Mr. Malik Aqar has praised AAAID’S efforts in introducing technologies to rain fed sector in Sudan, especially in his state, reviewing its advantages for great numbers of farmers particularly the small scale farmers, expressing his desire to introduce these technologies.
Some of the presence from the scientists, investors and interested persons has expressed their deep appreciation for AAAID’s efforts to introduce these modern technologies.

After the inspection visit the company had set up a grand ceremony in honor of the presence, and during the celebration his Excellency Mr. Ali Alsharhan president of AAAID has delivered a speech expressed the pleasure and satisfaction of board of directors of the achievements and he granted a bonus to all the staff , in this regard Mr. Almutaafi has stressed his ministry concern to provide the necessary support to AAAID till achieving the Arab food security , mean while Mr. Aqar the state governor has renewed his invitation to farmers unions to benefit from this experiment.

Finally Engineer Omer Marzoug the director general of the company has thanked the kind presence for their coming and wishing their participation in harvest campaign shortly, to enable them to see new harvest technology.
 
 
 
 

The First Arab Agricultural and Food Investment Conference
 

AAAID in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and land reclamation in Egypt has held the Arab Agric and Food Investment Conference in Cairo during 8-9 /12/2010 sponsored by his Excellency Amin Abazza, minister of Agriculture and land reclamation in Egypt, in the presence of HE Mohamed Abuhamour, Minister of Finance in Jordan head of AAAID’S shareholders Board and representative for HE M.A.Almutaafi Minister of Agriculture and Forests in Sudan and some of reps of Agric Companies, investors and Arab Agric sector businessmen in addition to number of decision makers in the institutions, organizations, and concerned authorities.

HE minister of agric in Egypt has addressed the presence in the opening session praising AAAID’s efforts in arranging this conference and its prominent role in enhancing Arab food security and its remarkable efforts in developing Arab Agric and food investment .

HE Mohamed Abohamour, Head of AAAID’S shareholders Board stressed the importance of the conference however it comes under difficult circumstances that facing Arab Area beside growing food gap.
From the other hand, HE president of AAAID has started his speech by thanking the Republic of Egypt, president and citizens, stressing the great role of Egypt in supporting Arab food processing and agric investment, and he delivered a special thanks to his Excellency Minister of Agriculture for his kind sponsorship to the conference, stressing importance of science research as guarantee for agric and food investment success and AAAID’s efforts to achieve food security.

The conference also included 4 sessions which discussed different topics especially agric and food investment beside the development in the Arab world particularly agric marketing and logistic services in addition to private sector experiment in human resources management and its impact on investments success.

The discussions focused on the gap of main food commodities, which include dairies, sugar, grain and meat besides fishes (production, planting, processing) and the vegetable oil in addition to modern technologies which applied by AAAID, zero tillage as unique one.

And there was a specific exhibition among the sessions, 16 agric companies were participated and AAAID has participated in a separate pavilion which reflected its objectives and different activities.

The discussions by the participants resulted in serious and constructive recommendations and it can be summarized into:

First: in the field of agricultural policies:

  •  Developing strategies and policies related to specific goals during determined period suiting the capabilities and resources of every country.

  • taking polices to develop styles in natural resources investment in order to rise up the capacity of using land and water.


Second: laws and legislations which organize agric investment:

  • Simplify procedures of legislations and laws relating to agricultural investment.
     

  • Using unified mechanism to achieve investment transactions.


Third: finance and resources mobilization:

  • Establishing database offering information about agricultural investment opportunities.
     

  • Working hard to attract investors from private sector through Seminars and Workshops.
     

  • Establishing a fund for Arab agricultural and food investments in collaboration with Arab finance funds.
     

  • Re arrange finance priorities and directing them to fund the agricultural infrastructures.
     

  • Increase financial allocations in the countries budgets to finance agric sector needs.
     

  • Provide finance for small scale producers and farmers through national and specialist banks.


Fourth: infrastructures:

  • Invest in the infrastructure and agric services by establishing roads, dams and irrigation networks in addition to electricity, communications and more agric requirements.
     

  • Providing means of storage, transportation and marketing for agric products.
     

  • Promoting scientific research through the financial allocations and coordinate between the agric research centers.


Fifth: vegetable oil:

  • Providing support for scientific research by increasing the production of oil seeds however the promising local market.
     

  • Develop programs to combat desertification and groundwater scarcity.
     

  •  Support the Arab seminars and conferences for the specialists in production of oil seeds and vegetable oil (private and public sectors and governmental organizations).
     

  • The Arab integration cultivating food products that used in oil industry.

Sixth: dairy production:

  • Providing feed through establishment of developmental agricultural projects.
     

  • Cancelling the imposed fees on dairy.
     

  • Ensuring potable water against nominal fees.
     

  • Providing veterinary medicines and supporting research in dairy production.
     

  • Coordinate and integrate between the similar sectors.

Seventh: production and industry of sugar:

  • Emphasizing the investment in sugar production as strategic commodity and consider the consuming gap in the Arab countries.

  • Urging countries to coordinate with regional and international funds to finance the infrastructures in the areas of sugar production, to reduce the investment cost.
     

  • To produce sugar we must focus in the high productivities countries such as Sudan, Egypt and Iraq.
     

  • Bear in mind the benefit of the production relation with small scale producers to plant sugar cane and then selling to the sugar plants to enhance producer’s capability.

Eighth: seeds production:

  • Managing water resources and set up new irrigation systems.
     

  • Urge governments to finance new investments in grain.
     

  • Establishing Arab market as reference for investors in grain and arranging for Arab wheat and sorghum stock.
     

  • Protect small scale producers.
     

  • Standardization of plant quarantine measures among Arab countries.
     

  • Activating the Arab strategy which prepared by Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.

Ninth: Meat Production & Processing:

  • Integration between the production projects of poultry.
     

  • Establishing specialized technical training centers to breed and produce poultry.
     

  • The need to set up specialized veterinary laboratories to diagnose poultry diseases.
     

  • Establishing laboratories to analyze the food raw materials that go into poultry feed.
     

  • Introducing feed production inputs as sorghum and soya in the agricultural countries like Sudan and Egypt.
     

  • Establishing projects of fertilized eggs to produce parent stock as well as eggs.
     

  • Establishing parent stock breeding projects of the known strains of poultry such as Coop, Ross and Hubbard.
     

  • Establishing poultry waste treatment plants to maintain the safety of environment, in order to get maximum benefit of poultry wastes.

Tenth: fisheries:

  • AAAID has determined investment opportunities in the Arab countries in the field of producing, processing, and marketing of fishes and also has prepared visibility study for that proposed projects beside the promotion among Arab investment parties in collaboration with the Arab federation of fish producers.
     

  • Increasing AAAID investments in fisheries sector.
     

  • Preparing a visibility study to establish a joint venture company to produce fish feed for its high value and also for cooperation between the Arab countries.
     

  • To obtain Arab food security AAAID must encourage investment in Arab fisheries sector.

Eleventh: zero tillage technology:

  • AAAID will save no efforts to introduce zero tillage in the rain fed sector in the Arab countries.
     

  • Establishing specialized plants to manufacture and develop the machines and equipment of zero tillage agriculture.
     

  • Providing production inputs by encouraging its industry in the Arab countries.
     

  • Activate research and strategy of zero tillage agriculture in the universities and research centers.
     

  • Keep on disseminate and introduce zero tillage agriculture system among small scale farmers in the rain fed sector.
     

  • Encourage the establishment of agricultural services companies.
     

  • Urge the governments to support the new technologies.
     

  • Enhance cooperation and coordination between Arab finance institutions that interested in development and food security and the adoption of the new agricultural system.
     

  • Bear in mind the need to establish specialized Arab center in zero tillage agriculture system.
 
 
 
 

Visits of HE Ali Bin Saeed Alsharhan chairman of AAAID to the affiliated companies in Syria
 

According to the Board of Directors resolution No (37) HE Ali Bin Saeed Alsharhan, president of AAAID has made number of site visits for number of AAAID affiliated companies in the Arab republic of Syria from 10 -13 October 2010, to learn about the conditions of the Arab company for Agricultural Production Development , also he met the officials in the National Company for vegetable oil to discuss the means to provide the technical support to address the obstacles and problems that obstruct the workflow in the company.

Arab Company for advanced irrigation equipment industry:

The company aims to produce the advanced irrigation equipment such as pipes , sprayers and drippers , the company started producing in the year 2000 with paid capital of 190 million Syrian pounds ,AAAID share is 25% (equal one million US Dollar) .
The company has a basic infrastructure which support its activity and increasing the productivity, the plant condition is good and the products has a high quality compared to the local one, particularly the dripping pipes covers as extra product by using manufacturing wastes .
The company is facing some troubles such as the need to complete the production lines in addition to some necessary administrative regulations.
The most important recommendations was to communicate with other share holders in the company , possibility to raise the company capacity ,offering a capital of 10 million Syrian pounds and enhancing the demand for the company’s products.
As well as implementing the approved plan of using the modern means of irrigation in irrigated land and working hard to complete the lines of production.

Arab Syrian Company for Agric Products Development:

The company aims to produce food products in both animal and plant, and composed of 7 projects for the agric and animal production scattered in different areas in the republic of Syria in addition to the industrial complex which represent the main activity.
The company started production in the year 1989 with capital of 300 million Syrian pounds.

The National Company for Vegetable Oil:

The company started production in 2001 with capital of 1500 million Syrian pounds (equal 30 million US dollar) and AAAID share is 40%.
The company produces oils and margarine in high quality and provides part of the domestic demand of feed, soap and export linter.
The company has the elements of production such as premises, machines and equipment, best techniques to abstract oils, beside the continuous improvement of company sales and profits.
The company has been registered in the stock market in Syria due to the good quality of its products , good reputation and its spread branches in Damascus, Aleppo and Laziqia.
AAAID delegation has discussed the problems that facing the company and the relative decline of the performance and the way to use the full capacity and reduce high run cost of production.
The delegation has recommended supporting the company in cooperation with the officials in the republic of Syria and to increase the allocated area for cotton seeds crop, the possibility to ensure production inputs from AAAID’s companies in Sudan especially the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural company – Agade.
After these visits the higher management has taken packages of legal, technical, and financial regulations and also they studied the proposals that presented by their Excellencies the Ministers of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture in Syria, in addition to the ideas and plans which developed during the sessions with ACSAD and the different topics covered such as the establishment of fertilizers & pesticides projects.
 
 
 
 

Visit to UAE, the Republic of Comoros and Yemen

AAAID has delegated Mr. Salah Hassan Abdallah the Head of Applied Research and Technology transfer Division in AAAID to the UAE, Republic of Comoros and Yemen in 1- 9 / 11 / 2011 in order to purchase the equipments of tissue culture laboratory in the Comoros and follow up shipping procedures.
Mr. Salah has also visited our coordination office in the Comoros and he discussed the problems and obstacles that hinder the progress of work.

And he met the officials in the ministry of agriculture and he expressed AAAID desire to implement numbers of projects, then he visited the Tissue Culture Lab and he handed over the equipment to the technical officer in order to prepare for the new agricultural season.
He also visited the research station in Bandasmlini and Plant Quarantine and he discuss the current situations there in order to handover them to the government of Comoros, besides insuring and inventing AAAID’S properties.
Also Mr. Salah has visited coordination office for zero tillage programs in Yemen and he discussed the future of the program within the new directives of AAAID, he also the storage standards for the equipment and instruments.
Mr. Salah has met HE Minister of Agriculture and he informed him about AAAID’S directives about the new projects that it will be established such as fishing , animal breed ,chicks production unit , feed production unit , fruit trees especially citrus fruits , and tissue propagation for banana and potato seeds .
The prominent recommendations of the visits is the necessity to send a delegation headed by HE president of AAAID with some experts to the Republic of Comoros and the Republic of Yemen to discuss the current activities of AAAID in those countries and the future plans however AAAID properties there.
 
 
 

The 34th annual meeting of Board of Shareholders 7-8 April 2010

The Board of Shareholders of AAAID held its 34th annual meeting within the annual meetings of Arab financial institutions, 7-8 April 2010, Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan.

The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which included the following:

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as chairman of the Board for its 34th term (which begins as from the current meeting and ends by the beginning of the 35th meeting), H.E. the representative of the Sultanate of Oman as deputy chairman for the same term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves, as at 31.12.2009.
    Allocation of AAAID net profit for the year 2009 to a number of items, some of which are :

Distribution of dividends to AAAID shareholders equivalent to 3% of the paid-up capital as at 31/12/2009.
 
10% of AAAID net income for the year 2009 to support the people of Palestine.

Appointment of external auditors for the accounts of AAAID for the financial year ending 31 December 2010.

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2010-2011.
     

  • Expression of deepest thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan, and the Government and people of Sudan, for the generosity which covered the 34th meeting of AAAID shareholders.

    Expression of great thanks to His Excellency Dr. Mohammed El Nouri El Jouini, the representative of the Republic of Tunisia for his efforts as a chairman of the Board for its 33rd term.

    Expression of thanks to H.E. AAAID President/ Chairman and Excellencies the members of the Board of Directors, and AAAID staff, for their fruitful efforts during the last year towards enabling AAAID to perform its duties.

H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID, addressed the Board of Shareholders meeting, briefing the Board on the performance of AAAID during the year 2009. The President speech covered the various activities of AAAID during the year. It pointed out that AAAID was able to overcome the negative impact of the international financial crises in less than one year, and made profits amounting to over $40 million. The total of AAAID shareholdings in companies amounted about $332 million, equivalent to 95% of paid-up capital. Distributed dividends to AAAID member states amounted $351 million, equivalent to 96% of AAAID paid-up capital. Shareholders’ equity amounted to $565 million, equivalent to 161% of paid-up capital. The President speech to the Board also gave broad-lines of

 
 
 
 

AAAID Pledges to fund development projects in Nouakchott

During his meeting with the commissioner of food security, H. E. Mr. Mohamed Ould Mohamedo, H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed AL-Sharhan, President of AAAID, pledged to fund, in the near future, a number of projects in some districts of Nouakchott, in cooperation with the commission of food security.
The projects which would be launched include:
 

  • Financing of women income-generating activities by providing revolving credit.

  • Building a health center in the quarters of Mecca 1, 2, 3.

  • Expanding the clinic in AL- Dar AL Baidha quarter.

  • Building a clinic in Um AL-Quora quarter.

  • Building a 3 – room school for the expansion quarters A & B, and then adding a room in each of 3 schools in AL- Nazaha quarter.

  • Construction of 10 water tanks in Mendez, AL- Marfa, and Masamia quarters, in addition to providing a tank for water supply to those quarters.

  • Establishment of 3 feeding centers in AL-Mirbat quarter.

It is worth mention that a joint delegation from AAAID and a number of businessmen and investors from the Gulf visited Mauritania the first week of May (May 2010), following the invitation of the Minister of Economy and Development, Mr. ٍSidi Ould Tah. The visit lasted for five days.
At the end of the visit, H.E. Mr. Ali bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID, made a statement to “Hassad”, published in Hassad website, in which he said that he came to Mauritania accompanied by a delegation of senior businessmen and investors from the Gulf who manage and represent large companies, including leading companies in the field of agriculture, such as "Tabuk" corporation, "Al-Mohammedia Farms" / Saudi Arabia, “Hassad” / Qatar, "Emirates Investment Authority" / U.A.E., "A’Saffa" / Sultanate of Oman, and "Arab Fisheries Co." / Saudi Arabia. The delegation visited the river bank and looked at the various investment opportunities in the country, especially in the areas of agriculture, development, animal husbandry, and fishing.
He added that he had visited Mauritania in November of last year in order to review and monitor the agricultural activity of AAAID in the vicinity of Rosso city which has been carried out since 1995, where a lot of work and achievements were made in this area, adding that he noted that the matter needs more ambition, and that the response of the Prime Minister in Mauritania at that time was the first drive where he welcomed the support to AAAID. It was agreed that another visit be made, accompanied by a delegation from Gulf investors. He added “Today, the mentioned visit is made for 5 days to cover all the sites which saturate the ambition. We have told the Prime Minister that the anticipated ambition has became a reality today.” We discussed and exchanged views, and agreed with the Prime minister on the importance of air transport lines between Nouakchott and Gulf capitals.
Besides, the meeting combined between investment ambitions and the national and Islamic linkage. “We found that the pillars of investment are available in Mauritania and the climate of confidence lies on this blessed land, in its people and its government, as this government has a great deal of transparency in its visions for the future. "
Finally, the president of AAAID said “We have the ambition to establish with our brothers in Mauritania monuments and investing efforts, experiences, and money, to see this ambition is achieved on the ground of reality by the efforts of men, the wisdom of leadership, and clarity of souls, in a manner to achieve security and safety, and that is the happiness of nations."
 
 
 

The AAAID Board of Directors third Meeting for the year 2010

The AAAID Board of Directors held the third meeting for the year 2010 in the Regional Office in Dubai city in the UAE , on Saturday 19 June 2010 , under the chairman of H.E Ali Saeed Alsharhan , chairman of the Board of Directors , the President of AAAID .
The meeting discussed several important topics related to reform the conditions of AAAID companies and some of its projects .
The meeting issued several decisions included the approval of the new organizational structure according to the Administrative Manual and the salaries structure , also the approval to establish an agricultural services company in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania with a capital of about 3 million dollar , to provide all kind of modern farming services for the Mauritanian farmers as in-kind contribution reached 50 % of its capital , paid as agricultural equipment .
In order to adapt the Zero-Tillage Farming Technology in Sudan , the Board of Directors agreed to increase the contribution in Almuzdana Company for Zero-Tillage Farming Services – in Sudan by 15% of its capital that estimated of 6 million USD , the company which basically established to provide the Zero-Tillage Farming technology.
The next meeting scheduled to be held on October 2010 in the AAAID Headquarter in Khartoum -Sudan
 
 

H .E .The president of AAAID Meetings

H .E .The president of AAAID Meetings with:

United Arab Emirates Ambassador in Sudan

H.E. Mr. Ali Saeed Alsharhan the president of AAAID has visited the embassy of the United Arab Emirates , and he met H.E. Hassan Ahmed Alshahi , the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Khartoum and at the outset of his visit Mr. Alsharhan has presented a comprehensive explanation on the AAAID and its work plan , projects , and the activities that been implemented during the previous period , pointing the approval of the new administrative structure and ongoing preparations for implementation , also he pointed the AAAID efforts to invite the investors and Arab private sector specially gulf area to study the investing opportunities in Arab countries .
And following a welcome to H.E Mr. Alsharhan , H.E. the Ambassador expressed his pleasure of the visit and his appreciation to the AAAID and its efforts in enhancing the joint Arab action , appointing the economic recovery in Sudan and the political stability that prevailing lately stressing his commitment to support the AAAID to its important role that plays in the investment and economic aspects in the Arab world , which will guide to link the Arab interests and the benefits will be obtained and the positive impact on the Arab citizens , and also he addressed the Arab countries pursuit to enhance cooperation with external world in the different aspects , which make a necessary need to support and develop intra-region trade by creating capital and guiding the Arab polices plus the requiring facilities to reach the aimed goals .

H.E the Ambassador of Tunisia in Khartoum

H.E the president of AAAID presented a full report on the AAAID and its activities and the work plan in the Arab member countries, in Tunisia particularly , reflecting the impressions of the delegate of the gulf private sector investors who accompany H.E. During his visit to Tunisia in May 2010 , during his meeting with H.E. Mr. Saeed Naser Ramadan the Ambassador of Tunisia in Sudan , during the visit to the Tunisia embassy in Khartoum city.
And he reflected his pleasure to the fruitful results of the visits and the negotiations which been made with the Tunisia government , expressing his appreciation to the generous hospitality and warm reception , expressing the AAAID willingness to enhance and develop the agricultural investments in the republic of Tunisia .
And for his part H.E the ambassador of Tunisia welcomed H.E the president of the AAAID wished to promote the relationship between the republic of Tunisia and the AAAID and to take advantage of the expansion of the investment in addition to the privileges that attracting investment ,
Expressing his willingness to provide all the possible support that AAAID can be needed in this regard .
 

The ambassador of Sultanate of Oman in Khartoum

H.E Mr. Ali Saeed Alsharhan the president of AAAID expressed his deep regret and influenced on the storm witch hit the different areas of Sultanate Oman ,and his confidence that the leadership of Oman will overcome all the repercussions of this natural crises and its influences , all above was during the meeting with his Excellency Mr. Abd Rashid Almadlwi
The ambassador of Sultanate of Oman during his visit to the Embassy of Oman in Khartoum .
Also the visit included a presentation on AAAID and its projects in the members states presented to H.E the Ambassador , and the current directive to activate the private sector and its efficiency in the agricultural investment , in addition to the presentation of the visit results of the H.E the president of AAAID and number of gulf private sector investors to Mauritania , Tunisia , and Morocco to identify the investing opportunities available there , also H.E. the president of AAAID spread wide space of his talks and explanations to H.E. the Ambassador on the Agricultural Holding Company renewing the invitation to government of sultanate Oman to participate in .
And for that H.E the Ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for AAAID and to H.E the President showing his welcoming to the visit and his blessing to the efforts during this stage which include the new administrative structure of AAAID and the rehabilitation of its projects , stressing the importance of the support that should be provided to AAAID on its aims to take advantage of the abundant resources that available in the Arab world to ensure food .

H.E the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania/ Khartoum

H.E. Mr. Ali Alsharhan the president of AAAAID expressed his grateful and appreciation to the government of Mauritania for the generous invitation to the AAAID and a group of gulf investors to define the available agricultural investing opportunities , that was during his meeting with H.E Mr. Alhassan Wild Mohamed Wild Awan . the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Sudan during his visit to the location of the embassy in Khartoum .
H.E. the president expressed his wishes and aspiration to expand the agricultural investment in Mauritania and to advantage of its various natural and resources particularly the fisheries and livestock , which will enhance the benefits and advantages in Mauritania and Arab world .
H.E. the Ambassador thanked H.E. the President of AAAID and he welcomed the visit and praised the role played by the AAAID in stimulating the private sector to participate in the agricultural investment and the way to get the maximum benefits of the resources of the Arab world as general and Mauritania particularly.

The manager of strategic planning in Kenana sugar company

H.E. Mr. Ali Saeed Al Shrhan the president of the AAAID met in his office in the AAAID headquarter in Khartoum Mr. Hassan Abdelrahman the strategic planning manager in Kenana sugar company (the general manger of the White Nile Sugar Co)this meeting was due to the invitation that presented by the AAAID, to discuss the ways of cooperation and coordination between the AAAID and Kenana Sugar Co and the related aspects of the agricultural operations, processing, marketing and distribution beside other issues. The two sides assured the necessity mutual cooperation to achieve their common goals and activate their role in food security achievement by developing the agricultural sector in its various aspects and provide an integrated services by taking advantage of the deep experience of the both institutions.
At the end of the meeting a memorandum of understanding has been singed and a mutual joint program also was approved by a team from each side.

Mr. Mai Mussa Abari the representative of FAO in Sudan

H.E. Mr. Ali Saeed Alshrhan the president of the AAAID has met in his office in the HQ of the AAAID H.E. Mai Mussa Abari the reps of FAO in Sudan and the meeting discussed the ways of coordination and cooperation between the AAAID and FAO organization, and the mutual goals and the way to contribute in food security achievement and the sustainable agricultural development.
The two parts discussed the fields of cooperation between the two institutions however the agricultural field with its different aspects and focusing on the activities which aims to raise up small scale farmers’ capacity. Both parts showed their keen and willingness to provide their experience and services to the all issues that been discussed during the meeting and from his side H.E. the president expressed his deep appreciation to this visit and he welcomed the enhancement of the cooperation between the AAAID and FAO, which will reflect a sustainable positive impact on the agricultural investment and development.
 
 

A Debate with HE Ali Bin Saeed Al Shrhan President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development

In the name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful, Alsslamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu. Before beginning the debate I would like to extend to your Excellency my gratitude and appreciation for giving us and the dear readers the opportunity to find out the AAAID work directives from your point of view after receiving your duties at the top of AAAID management and your philosophy in dealing with the emerging domestic, regional, international latest developments and events, and your evaluation of what the AAAID have provided during the previous period and your vision about its future and the scientific methodology you stand on in this regard.

AAAID is a huge Arabic institution, established three decades ago…. How do you see it now?

The blessed initiative adopted by the Arab nations when they established AAAID, was a result of the perceived importance of attaining food security for its people and for the perfect use of its promising resources.During the previous period , AAAID created a unique and great monument at the level of the states in spite of the difficulties which faced the investment and development promotion, AAAID achieved huge reforms in developing agricultural investment alternatives through activating the partnership with the private sector and expanding the base of participation in the provision of food security commodities and updating its administrative and technical systems to keep pace with the private sector partnership.



It is a pleasure to say that a careful look at the annual report reveals that AAAID’s efforts as a joint Arab entity enabled it to maintain its position during this period …..In spite of the impacts of the international financial crisis and its huge implications which affected the stability of the global markets , AAAID was able to maintain its solid financial position and to continue playing its investment and development role.
 

The world in the two previous years has witnessed hot events particularly in the financial and economic area , and AAAID is a part of all … we look forward to know your view in this regard ?

The biggest challenges facing our countries today is the food security problem from which the whole world is suffering. And of course huge part of our Arab states, and perhaps the main reason behind it is the unbalanced market supply for these commodities evidenced by a worldwide shortage of supply which caused unprecedented rise in prices.
It is clear that the frightening image of the food security situations requires collective efforts and support for AAAID and its program, and the multi-activity agricultural companies – that AAAID has established in partnership with the private sector in the Arab World and this does not prevent governments’ involvement in this blessed investment process to take all the necessary measures to confront the risks of food crises by doubling the resources allocated for improving and diversifying the agricultural production in the Arab countries in addition to the other governmental facilities.

What about Sudan – the state of AAAID headquarters ?

Firstly I would like to extend my thanks and deep gratitude to the Republic of Sudan- the generous land of the two Niles– to its president , government and people for their good treatment and generous hospitality , this leads me to talk about why Sudan been chosen by Arab Leaders to be the host state of AAAID , this suggestion was not just coincidental but because of the huge natural and agricultural resources that Sudan enjoyed which enable it to play a pivotal role in securing food for the Arab Nation, particularly as it is nominated among three countries with Australia and Canada to resolve the problem of food in the world.

Some difficulties emerged on the global level specially the financial and economic, during the three previous years and its implications are still visible , and cast a shadow on the different sectors mainly the agricultural and financial sectors and no doubt AAAID also was affected .. your Excellency do you have any comments about that ?

According to God’s will and the joint efforts with my brothers in the Board of Directors, AAAID started in the year 2009 to take carful steps towards the required change to confront several urgent issues within and outside of AAAID under the shadow of the developments and new events that took place on the regional and international arena, without upsetting the balance of AAAID by taking serious steps to develop performance with the lowest costs and facilitate the decision making process and at the same time the careful study and organizational control.

A lot of talks Recently circulated about the administrative aspects and structural measures that AAAID has been working on for about a year under your leadership … perhaps our readers may need to know more in this regard? 

According to the concept of decision making , each administrative decision must be based on strong merits that reflect the technical situation in line with the objectives and the available abilities, in this regard we have conducted a careful study which paved the way to correct some decisions which were about to drown AAAID in financial burdens that are beyond its budget. Due to the reduction of the expenditure and the administrative budget for the year 2009 by about 40% compared to 2008 budget , we had to adopt a style based on avoiding overspending and the best utilization of the financial sources.
Restructuring is considered a difficult task which face any foundation according to the previous cases in several international and regional organizations . These cases gave us rich experiments to benefit from , accordingly we began attracting the qualified cadres in the management of AAAID and its companies.

 

And what more ?

We also prepared the administrative manual and the structural organization in order to manage the change to maximize the productivity , efficiency and effectiveness and the efficient management and utilization of available and potential human resources in AAAID, beside the special initiative to form the audit committee to activate the corporate governance and the internal financial control systems within AAAID, in order to provide the required recommendations to achieve the desired transparency. We also developed and strengthened the financial system and the basis followed in the selection of AAAID representatives in the boards of affiliated companies.

What is the role of the Board of Directors ? And what is the communiction mechanisms that was followed ?

There are a lot of efforts done to entrench the principles of clarity in all of AAAID transactions , according to my commitment since I assumed my responsibilities as a president of AAAID, by the continuous communication with the members of the Board of Directors , and by informing them step by step about all the matters concerning their assigned tasks to represent the shareholders of AAAID, and the provision of information for the meetings of the board of directors with more clarity , which enabled us to make decisions faster and also added the efficiency and vitality to the board meetings.
Through our monitoring of events in AAAID, we noticed some activities that need to be reprioritized to be in line with objectives and implement them easily.

This was about the Administrative and structural side, what about your investment activities?

During 2009 AAAID’s profits reached more than 13 million Kuwaiti Dinars (equivalent to 47 million US dollars) against a loss of 37 million Kuwaiti Dinars (equivalent to 133 million US dollars) for the year 2008 and the income from dividends and loans reached 3.5 million Kuwaiti Dinars (equivalent to 12 million US dollars ) enabled AAAID to cover all the administrative budget.
The efforts continued during 2009 in the studies of the performance of troubled companies based on reforming the executive management of those companies and developing them in coordination with the boards of directors and supporting them by qualified elements and we do believe that Allah will bless us to complete the full and careful evaluation of all the human resource elements in those companies.

As result we can say that we noticed an improvement in the performance of several companies and some were transformed from loss making to profitable companies, the work is progressing to put other companies in their right track, such as Almarga and Agro-Zetex in Tunisia, Alfayum Sugar works Co. Egypt, Arab Fisheries Co. in Saudi Arabia, Manafiz Alhboub Co. in Morocco, and most of AAAID companies in Sudan such as the Arab Poultry Production and Processing Co. and Arab Sudanese Vegetable Oil Co.
And God willing we expect that four companies will start its commercial production during 2010, the companies are : Arab Shrimp Co. Saudi Arabia , Arab Cooperative company for poultry production Saudi Arabia, White Nile Sugar Co. Sudan, Arab Co. for Veterinary Medicines Sudan .
The projects handled by AAAID project department reached 33 during 2009 on the basis of the new strategic principles of AAAID which focus on the large and medium strategic projects and the significant role of AAAID in agricultural investment with the efficient contribution of the private sector.
AAAID continued its activity by supervising the implementation of veterinary medicines project and rehabilitation of the Arab Sudanese vegetable oils company and the provision of technical support for the Arab poultry company by providing consultancy services for these companies in Sudan.
AAAID in cooperation with the private sector in the states of Gulf Cooperation Council is in the process of establishing an investment company which is assigned to establish agricultural projects to produce various strategic commodities like grain, fodders, and others. It was also agreed with a group of Kuwaiti investors to establish a company for dairy production and processing in Kuwait, to cover part of Kuwaiti needs of dairy products.
 

AAAID made huge efforts in the field of agricultural research and its applications in many member states, and achieved bright witnessed successes … would you tell us about this part ?

AAAID started the field trials and observations in the research stations in Sudan , Mauritania , and the Union of the Comoros, and continued its efforts in transferring adapting and spreading of the Zero-Tillage Farming System among the small-farmers in rain fed sector in Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Syria . AAAID also continued its efforts to activate and control the developmental programs during 2009 either directly or through the trust fund and here we would like to mention that AAAID continued its development support to Palestinian people, and the targeted projects have been implemented in cooperation with UN and international Organizations.

Would you tell us about yoor evaluation of AAAID previous period and your vision about the future ?

If you take closer look at AAAID history during the past three decades in relation to its tasks, achievements , developments and its strengths and weaknesses, and the coming future you will find out that AAAID, no doubt needs to adapt to a group of variables whether local , regional or international which require planed and flexible changes in the light of a sound strategic plan to erase all the negative impacts of the past and look forward to finding the suitable alternatives for new gains and future success that support food security.

Is there specific methodology to achieve that? 

We look upon the strategic plan cores of AAAID which will cover the next five years bring new directives to be contributed to by all starting from the board of shareholders, the board of directors , to AAAID Management , the staff and affiliated companies, in addition to acquiring the help of recognized international expertise in this field, and it is important to study the polices and systems related to risk management , and sustainability , and to support the capabilities of the human resource provided that this change is linked to integrity, uprightness and accountability.

This is a great job and a wide vision … so is there specific bases you stand on in reaching your objectives and goals?

The strategic plan that we look forward to is based on a set of cores and aspects , mainly the following :

  • Accountability … through series of performance measurement programs

  • Efficient management of AAAID resources and the required measurement tools for the applied polices.

  • Developing the strategic planning and activating investment and development programs in the Arab world with enhanced methodology and added value.

  • Enhancing AAAID image on the local, regional, and international levels.

  • It is important to point out that AAAID looks at this strategic plan as a dynamic launching platform that is capable of being developed and supports the required adaption and change.

In conclusion your Excellency .. do you have more words to say ?

I would like to repeat my thanks to the Republic of Sudan its President , government and people for the good treatment and generous hospitality and for the unlimited support it provides to AAAID and its projects in Sudan and my deep thanks and gratitude to the government of the United Arab Emirates for the appreciated facilities it provides to our regional office in Dubai ,UAE , and Alsalamu Alykom wa Rahmato ALLAH Wbarakatou.

 
 
 

The Meetings and Interviews of H E President of AAAID

HE The president of AAAID Meetings with:

Meeting with H E the Minister of Agriculture of the Blue Nile State

HE President of AAAID has met in his office at the head quarter of AAAID H E Mr. Zayid Essa Zayid the Minister of Agriculture of the Blue Nile State in Sudan on Thursday 26 August 2010 .
At the beginning of the visit HE President of AAAID welcomed him and showed his appreciation to his interest and support to the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Co. stressing the need to attract more of investments through the Arab Financial Institutions to support the developmental projects which include digging a canal for irrigation in Agadi area to make full use of the available agricultural land to produce various crops and enabling a good rural environment for agriculture for the benefit of the community there.
And for his part , HE the minister expressed the ministry concern to develop the region and his willingness to provide the necessary support to the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Co , pointing out the approval of the government of the Blue Nile State for the sale of the cotton gin in Damazin to the company, praising the close monitoring for the work , that done by company management .
At the end of the visit HE president of AAAID extend his thanks and appreciation to H E the minister for the visit emphasizing AAAID’s concern to support the company and to contribute in the development and improving of the area , and he showed his willingness to visit the Blue Nile State before the end of the year .

The meeting with H E Ambassador of Iraq in Sudan

HE Mr. Ali Saeed Alsharhan President of AAAID reviewed AAAID’s achievements in developing the Arab agriculture by using modern farming technologies and the management of the revolve loans , that was during his meeting with H E Dr. Salih Hussen Ali Altamimi Ambassador of Iraq Republic in Sudan who visited the main headquarters of AAAID in Khartoum on Thursday 26 August 2010 .
HE president of AAAID stressed the importance of attracting the private sector and activate its contribution in the Arab agricultural investment and remove all the impediments which restrict the efficient contribution , and enabling appropriated environment for agricultural process in accordance with the concern authorities and support the infrastructures of the agricultural projects , as he pointed out to the importance of activating and promoting the youth role in establishing these projects , praised the experience of Alsafa Co in Sultanate of Oman and Alrwabi Co in the UAE and their success job in exporting the agricultural productions .
And for his part, H E the ambassador praised the kind efforts of AAAID to develop and improve the Arab Agric sector, and he suggested to universe its significant experiences among all concerned parts of agriculture , expressing his willing to provide the necessary support to AAAID , regarding its projects in Iraq .
 
 
 

AAAID Board of Directors held its first meeting for the year 2010

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its first meeting for the year 2010 in the period 2-4 March 2010 in Khartoum/ Sudan. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID.
The meeting was started by a speech delivered by H.E. the President of AAAID, as this meeting was the first meeting of the Board to be held in Khartoum for over 9 years. Selection of Khartoum for this meeting came according to a suggestion by Mr. Al-Sharhan who is the new President for AAAID who took over the current presidency term since about a year. In his speech, the President affirmed that AAAID is the first investment pot at which the founders and shareholders of AAAID are looking for achieving food security in the Arab region. He stressed the vitality of providing additional financial support to AAAID to enable doubling its contribution to food security. He also emphasized the importance of AAAID projects in Sudan, pointing to the fact that the selection of Sudan by Arab leaders for the location of AAAID main office was based on the abundance of natural resources with which the Sudan is endowed, and that such resources qualify Sudan to play a vital role in boosting food security for the Arab nation. He stated that AAAID profits for the year 2009 amounted to about $48 million, compared to losses in 2008. (Full version of the speech – in Arabic).

 Speech in Arabic Video
   
 A press briefing was also held with H.E. the President of AAAID ( Press Briefing – video)


The resolutions adopted by the Board covered many issues, among the most important of which were: the agenda for the Board of Shareholders’ 34th meeting scheduled to be held in the period 7-8 April 2010 in Khartoum, approval of submitting recommendations to the Board of Shareholding for approval of AAAID investment program for the year 2010-2011, AAAID closing accounts for the financial year 2009, assigning auditors for AAAID accounts for the year 2010, and AAAID annual report for 2009. The resolutions adopted by the Board also included selection of a sample of a logo as a new AAAID logo, in addition to a number of resolutions pertaining to AAAID activities and internal affairs.

 
 
 
 

AAAID Granted a loan of $ 12 million to the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (Agadi)

 

In his office in Khartoum, today Monday 18th January 2010, H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), signed a loan agreement according to which AAAID grants a $ 12 million loan to the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (ASBNACO) to finance the operational needs of the company for the agricultural season 2010 - 2011. Eng. Omer Marzoug, the general manager of the company, signed for the company. .

This comes in the framework of the technical and financial support provided by AAAID to its affiliated companies in Sudan, the host country for AAAID. Following the signing of the agreement, H.E. the President of AAAID stated that AAAID is doing its best to enhance the performance of its affiliated companies, especially in Sudan, and is preparing an ambitious plan for rehabilitation of the companies which need rehabilitation, beside shareholding in numerous agricultural companies in Sudan, such as the White Nile Sugar Company. He assured the great role that can be played by Sudan with its capabilities and natural resources for achieving Arab food security. He praised the role of the Government of Sudan in providing all necessary facilitation for AAAID companies, and expressed his appreciation of the developmental progress which Sudan witnesses in various fields.

On his part, Mr. Omer Marzoug, the general manager of the company, stated that the loan allows the company to expand the area under cultivation in the next season to reach 60,000 feddans, adopting zero-tillage farming system, and applying the latest agricultural technology, to achieve the highest yields in all crops which the company intends to grow according to its agricultural plan. He also explained that the loan would create local job opportunities and accommodate a number of the agricultural graduates who have already been trained by AAAID on the latest technologies. He added that the company has achieved high yields this season, despite the experienced adverse climatic conditions of rainfall scarcity in some areas.
 
 
 
 

Board of Directors’ 5th Meeting for 2009

 

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 5th meeting for the year 2009 on 16-17 December, Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, Chaired by H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, president of AAAID.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Board welcomd H.E. Mr. Najah Kareem Abd, representative of the Republic of Iraq, succeeding H.E. Mr. Salah El-Dein Kazim Aziz, for whom the Board expressed thanks and great appreciation to his efforts during the period he was a member of the Board. The minutes of the 4th meeting of the Board were then ratified, and the Board took note of what have been implemented of its resolutions and recommendations pertaining to those minutes. The Board reviewed the production and financial performance of AAAID companies, the performance of the financing and lending activity for the last quarter of 2009, as well as the performance of the investment portfolios. The Board also reviewed the management memorandum on the administrative manual (organizational system) of AAAID and listened to the presentation delivered by the consultant in this regard.

In addition, the Board considered the general framework of the strategic plan guidelines and expressed its recognition of the determinants contained therein. The Board then decided to give members a sufficient time to study that subject and complete the elements of the plan in preparation for a full discussion in a separate meeting of the Board, to be convened in Dubai within a month from date, in order to take the appropriate decision .

In the light of the presented items and the objective discussions made regarding them, the Board adopted a series of important resolutions. Those resolutions included, among other decisions, renaming AAAID representatives in the boards of directors of some of the companies, approval of granting the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (Agadi) / Sudan an operational loan in the amount of about $12 million, approval of payment of AAAID share in the capital increase of the Arab Company for Crop Production / Sudan which amounts to $6,331,200, approval of the draft administrative budget of AAAID for the year 2010 in the limits of KD 5,476,000, in addition to some other decisions concerning administrative and internal matters.
 
 
 

The Founding Committee for the Arab Holding Agricultural Company held its 4th Meeting

 

Chaired by H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), the founding committee of the Arab agricultural holding company held its 4th meeting in the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, K.S.A., on Saturday, 19th December, 2009.

After welcoming the honorable members of the Founding Committee, H.E. Mr. Al-Sharhan expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to H.E. Dr. / Suleiman Bin Mohammed Al-Turki, member of the Board of Directors of AAAID, and to the Ministry of Finance, K.S.A., for the spirit of cooperation, seriousness, and keenness towards establishing the company, hoping that those efforts lead to success. The agenda of the meeting was then discussed. The meeting took a number of decisions and proposals pertaining to the organizational and financial aspects of the company, such as technical teams and anticipated shareholders in addition to the current founders.

It is worth mention that the establishment of this company came in accordance with the directives and resolutions of the Board of Shareholders of AAAID, and the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by H.E. the President of AAAID with Tabuk Company for Agricultural Development, Janat Investment Company, in addition to other companies and investors, to establish an agricultural investment company to contribute in achieving Arab food security and strengthening the role of the private sector in achieving sustainable development in the Arab world. The objective of the company is to invest in the areas of agricultural production, both plant and animal, agricultural processing, agricultural services, and financing and agricultural marketing, in the Arab and Muslim countries in accordance with comparative advantage for investment, giving priority to the production of grains and fodder. It also aims at developing the productive capabilities of smallholder and medium-sized producers, the transfer of advanced agricultural technology, as well as contributing to the development of infrastructure which supports agricultural handling and marketing.
 
 
 

H. E. the President of AAAID Participate in the 8th Conference of the Arab Thought Foundation

AAAID participated in the 8th conference of the Arab Thought Foundation, 8-9 December, 2009, Kuwait, with a high level delegation headed by H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Alsharhan, president of AAAID. The conference was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber, Emir of Kuwait, and H.H. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, President of the Arab Thought Foundation.

The speech delivered by H.E. the President of AAAID addressed the fundamental changes taking place in the world lately and their repercussions and impact on Arab agriculture and food security in the future, particularly with respect to the continuous and unprecedented rise in the prices of major food commodities and the declining inventory levels of some of them. He also talked about the emergence of AAAID and its endeavor to enhance the efforts of Arab countries towards achieving food security by increasing investment in agricultural projects, both in plant and animal sectors, and the implementation of agricultural development programs within its investment projects.

H. E. the president of AAAID also outlined the main features of the future AAAID strategy and its vision, which is based on four main dimensions, in the foremost of which is development of human resources, both in terms of production processes and consumption, followed by the role of the Arab agricultural media and promotion of its capabilities. The third of these dimensions is to mobilize the capabilities and resources available in Arab States including the political will, the conformity of objectives and priorities at this critical stage at the country and national levels, and strategic partners including the private sector and Arab as well as international financial institutions. The interest in the subject of Arab agricultural integration comes as the fourth dimension of AAAID strategy for the future as it is the only way to achieve sustainable Arab food security, in addition to the benefits of such integration for coordinating between plans and policies for agricultural development in the Arab States, as well as supporting production specialization, redistribution, and allocation of the productive resources in a way that serves Arab agricultural development.
 
 
 

Board of Director’s 4rd Meeting for 2009

 

 Chaired by H. E Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al Sharhan, president of AAAID, the Board of Directors held its fourth meeting for the year 2009 on 1-2 October in Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
The Board was briefed the Board on the production and financial performance of AAAID companies, the performance of the financing and lending activity for the third quarter of 2009, as well as the performance of investment portfolios. The Board also took note of the reports on the field visits of H. E. the President of AAAID to a number of companies and authorities with relevance to its activities.
The Board has adopted a number of important resolutions, which included the establishment of a $40-million portfolio for revolving operational loans, with consideration of the possibility of providing alternatives to the credit lines with financial institutions, in addition to some other administrative and internal decisions.
 
 
 

Extraordinary Meeting of the Board of Shareholders
Istanbul, Turkey, 5 October 2009

 

The Board of shareholders of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held an extraordinary meeting on Monday, October 5th , 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund hosted by Turkey on 6-7 October 2009.

After discussions and deliberations during the meeting, the Board adopted a number of important decisions the most important of which included approval of the balance sheet of AAAID as at 31-12-2008, the final accounts and reserves for the period ending on that date, and the report of the Board of Directors on those items, as well as discharging the Board of Directors on its work in 2008.

The Board expressed its thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Abdullah Gul and the government and the people of Turkey for the warm welcome and hospitality to the Board throughout its extraordinary meeting. The Board, also thanked H. E. the President of the Board of directors of AAAID and the members of the board of directors for their efforts and proper performance of the duties assigned to them.
 
 
 

H.E. The President of AAAID visits Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Sudan

 

H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) visited the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of the Republic of Sudan on Wednesday, 22/7/2009. He met with H.E. Dr. Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz, Minister of Finance and National Economy. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Abdul Halim Al-Muta’afi, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Sadiq Mohammed Hasabalrasool, State Minister of Finance, Dr. Eltayib Mustafa Abu Qanaya, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance - member of the board of directors of AAAID, a number of heads of AAAID departments, and the General manager of the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company.

The meeting discussed the role of AAAID towards contributing in developing the agricultural sector in Sudan and the Arab world. H.E. the Minister of Finance explained that the Sudan relies on AAAID to play an effective role in the agricultural mobilization spanning different areas in the country. He called for doubling the role of AAAID in Sudan, especially with the growing global food crisis. He explained that the Ministry of Finance is ready to resolve all the obstacles facing AAAID.

H.E. the President of AAAID explained that AAAID has prepared a new plan to boost its activity, including efforts to attract Arab financial institutions and organizations working in the field of agriculture in addition to the private sector. He also stated that AAAID signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a public shareholding company to operate in the field of agriculture and that the company would give a priority to Sudan with regard to investment.

Mr. Omar Marzouk, the General Manager of the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (which is a partnership between AAAID and the Republic of Sudan) explained that the company, with full collaboration with AAAID, has introduced the zero-tillage farming system, which the country has begun to adopt within the framework of the agricultural mobilization program, as the mentioned system ensures the achievement of high yields. He also pointed out that the company is expanding its cultivated area, aiming at reaching up to 160 thousand acres in the coming years.

Then, Dr. Ayad Al-Heeti, Head of the Department of Agricultural Research and Extension in AAAID, explained the role of AAAID in introducing modern agricultural technologies, such as the zero-tillage farming system, modern irrigation systems, and the introduction of new varieties of crops and vegetables.

Followed that was the speech of Mr. Faisal Mehaisi, Head of Follw-up Department in AAAID, in which he pointed out some of the obstacles faced by AAAID companies, and called for efforts of the Government of the Sudan for resolving those problems.

Dr. Shalan Alwan, Head of the Projects Department of AAAID, explained that there is a number of projects under study by AAAID, including a number of projects in the Sudan.

Then H.E. Dr. Mustafa Abu Qanaya, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Member of the Board of Directors of AAAID, stated that the problems that AAAID companies face are not faced in the Sudan alone, but in a number of AAAID companies in the Arab world. He pointed out that, with more coordination, such problems could be solved.

Then H.E. Dr. Abdel-Halim Al-Muta’afi, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, expressed the Ministry's readiness to provide wide areas for the cultivation of grains in participation with AAAID and a number of private investors.
 
 
 

H.E. the President of AAAID visits Tunisia and Morocco (6-13 July 2009)

 

 

 In a visit to the Republic of Tunisia on 6/7/2009, H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), met H.E. Dr. Mohammed El Nouri El Jouini, Minister of Development and International Cooperation, Chairman of the Board of Shareholders of AAAID for its current term. The meeting discussed several matters related to the activities of AAAID. H.E. Mr. Al-Sharhan outlined that the new guidelines of AAAID investment activity focus on partnership with the private sector.

H.E. the President of AAAID also met with H.E. Mr. Abdul Salam Mansour, Minister of Agriculture in the Republic of Tunisia. The meeting discussed the existing projects of partnership between AAAID and the private sector in Tunisia. Also addressed in the meeting, which was attended by the Secretary of State in charge of fishing, Mr. Abdul Razzak Da’lool, were the completed partnership projects in the areas of animal husbandry and the techniques of direct sowing of grain. The two sides agreed to intensify the partnership programs in the sector of meat, dairy and manufacturing, as well as the quality of agricultural products and expansion of the experience of direct sowing.

H.E. Mr. Al-Sharhan visited Al Marga Company for Livestock and Agricultural Development, one of the companies in which AAAID is a shareholder. He viewed the performance of the different activities of the company.

In his visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Al-Sharhan visited Manafid Al Hoboub company, which is one of the major companies in which AAAID is a shareholder. He viewed the great advance achieved in the activities of the company, which is considered a model in agricultural processing.
 
 
 

Board of Director’s 3rd meeting for 2009

 

 Chaired by H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, president of AAAID, on 25th June 2009 the Board of Directors of AAAID held its 3rd meeting for the year 2009 in Dubai – U.A.E.

The meeting issued a number of important resolutions on issues pertaining to AAAID and a number of the companies in which AAAID is a shareholder, including approvals and resolutions by the Executive Committee on which the Board took note. The most important resolutions included the following:

  • Granting of an operational loan to one of the companies in which AAAID is a shareholder.

  • Issuing a letter of guarantee for one of AAAID companies for obtaining a loan from a bank.

  • A welcome by the Board for H.E. Mr./ Ibrahim Hassan Al-Jarwan as a Board member, who is replacing H.E. Mr./ Saif bin Ali Al-Khatiri . Issuing a thanks and appreciation statement to H.E. Mr./ Saif bin Ali Al-Khatiri for the valued efforts and contribution to the Board during the period of his membership of the Board.

  • Other resolutions on matters relating to administrative and internal AAAID affairs.

The Board was also briefed on reports of field visits by H. E. the President of AAAID to a number of AAAID companies and some institutions and authorities with relevance to the activities of AAAID. The Board also viewed the report on the production and financial performance of a number of AAAID companies.
 
 
 

AAAID Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with a Number of Investors
With the Purpose of Establishing an Agricultural Investment Company

 

 H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), signed a memorandum of understanding with each of Tabuk Company for Agricultural Development ( a Saudi Stock Company) and Jannat Investment Company (a Saudi Stock Company), in addition to a number of other companies and investors to establish an agricultural investment company to contribute in achieving Arab food security and strengthening the role of the private sector in achieving sustainable development in the Arab region. Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding came as implementation of AAAID Board of Shareholders’ resolution concerning the establishment of investment companies to operate in the area of the production of strategic crops for the Arab region (wheat, forages, … etc). The memorandum was signed in the offices of Tabuk Company for Agricultural Development in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The aim of the company under establishment is to invest in the areas of agricultural production, both plant and animal, agricultural processing, agricultural services, financing and agricultural marketing in the Arab and Muslim countries in accordance with comparative advantage for investment, giving priority to the production of grains and fodder. It also aims at developing the productive capabilities of small and medium-sized producers, the transfer of advanced agricultural technology, as well as contributing to the development of infrastructure which supports agricultural handling and marketing. The establishment of the company has come to utilize the available vast accumulated expertise of founders in establishing companies with global competitive capabilities.

A founding committee, headed by H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID, was formed to complete the incorporation procedure. The agreement will allow the addition of new founders when a need arises.
 
 
 

Board of Shareholders’ 33rd Annual Meeting
15-16 April 2009

 

 Within the annual meetings of Arab financial institutions, the Board of Shareholders of AAAID held its 33rd annual meeting in the Dead Sea, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which included the election of H.E. the representative of the Republic of Tunisia as chairman of the Board for its 33rd term, H.E. the representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as chairman of the Board for its 34th term, and H.E. the representative of the Sultanate of Oman as deputy chairman for the same term.

The resolutions also included some internal issues, approval of AAAID investment program for the year 2009-2010 and appointment of external auditors for AAAID accounts for the financial year ending 31st December 2009. The Board took notice of what has been achieved regarding the study of establishing a company or companies for production of cereals, forages and other agricultural crops, as well as the study of inter-Arab agricultural investment obstacles and the ways to solve such obstacles.
 
 
 

Board of Directors’ 2nd Meeting for 2009

 

 Chaired by H. E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Alsharhan, president of AAAID, on 14th April 2009 the Board of Directors of AAAID held its 2nd meeting for the year 2009 in the Dead Sea, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The meeting, which was held on the side of the annual meetings of Arab financial institutions, issued a number of resolutions supporting the progress of Arab agricultural investment.

The Board approved the proposal of AAAID management for establishing a program for financing infrastructure and supporting AAAID strategic projects, and requested AAAID management to continue coordination with Arab regional and national funds and institutions.

The Board approved a memorandum of understanding for establishing a holding agricultural investment company, as well as the necessary establishment expenses which are to be paid by founders.

The Board took note of the Executive Committee approval of increasing the shareholding of AAAID in the capital of the Arab Company for Crop Production, Atbara/ Sudan, AAAID payment of part of it, and capitalizing the operational loan granted by AAAID to the company in concurrence with the other shareholder.
 
 
 

AAAID’s Board of Directors Held its 1st meeting for 2009 in Dubai, U.A.E.

 

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 1st meeting for 2009 in Dubai, U.A.E. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Ali Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID.

The meeting made a number of resolutions, among the most important of which were the following:-

  • AAAID to continue preparation of a study for establishing a company or companies for the production of cereals and forages as well as other crops. Preparation is to be conducted in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The Board also viewed the stages of a study of the impediments to intra-Arab agricultural investment and the relevant approaches for addressing them and issued its resolution for the study to be submitted to the Board of Shareholders. It is worth mention that the Board of Shareholders had directed AAAID management to prepare the mentioned two studies.
     

  • The participation of AAAID in the establishment of the Arab Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology by contributing 33% of the project capital which is estimated at about $6.5 million.
     

  • Approval of AAAID draft annual report for the year 2008 and directed for submitting the annual report to the Board of Shareholders in its next meeting for approval.

The resolutions taken by the Board of Directors’ in its meeting included a number of other matters that relate to some of the companies in which AAAID holds shares, including existing companies, companies under implementation, as well as some of the projects under study, in addition to some internal affairs of AAAID.
 
 


AAAID’s Board of Directors Held its 135th Meeting in Dubai, U.A.E.

 

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 135th meeting in the period 14-15 January 2009 in its regional office in Dubai, U.A.E. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID.

The meeting made a number of resolutions. The first of them included a welcome to H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan as the new President of AAAID, assuring the Board’s confidence that he would lead AAAID to more success and progress, as he possesses the professional qualifications, knowledge and experience for that. The resolution included the Board expression of thanks and appreciation to H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri for his efforts and the success achieved during the period he was a president of AAAID. It also included that a letter of thanks and appreciation be issued in the name of the Board to H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Al-Amri.
The other resolutions made by the Board’s meeting included a number of issues related to a number of the existing companies in which AAAID has shareholdings, a number of companies under implementation, some projects under study, in addition to other internal matters concerning AAAID.
 
 


H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan – President of AAAID
made site visits to companies

H.E. the President of AAAID visits Almutamayiza for the Production of Vegetables and Fruits 

Immediately after the duties of AAAID presidency were handed over to him as of 4th December 2008, H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan – President of AAAID made site visits to 3 AAAID companies in Sudan. The visits covered Arab Sudanese Vegetable Oil Co., Almutamayiza for the Production of Vegetables and Fruits, and Arab Poultry Production and Processing Co.

H.E. the President of AAAID viewed the performance of companies and the obstacles they are facing. He stated at the end of the site visits that there is a need for more coordination and revitalization of cooperation between different parties related to the provision of inputs to the companies, whether domestically or abroad, in addition to focusing on marketing. He assured the commitment of AAAID towards finding immediate proper solutions to attain the set goals. 
 
 


The Arab Authority says farewell to its President, H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Al-Amri, and welcome to its new President, H.E. Mr. Ali Al-Sharhan

H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan (right)
H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri (left)

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held a farewell ceremony for its President, H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, and a welcome reception for its new President, H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, Monday 1st December 2008 in Al Salam Rotana Hotel in Khartoum. H.E. Mr. Al-Amri, a United Arab Emirates citizen, completed his second presidential term on 4th December 2008, and has thus spent ten years in the presidency of AAAID with its head office in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan, and its regional office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The ceremony witnessed a large attendance which included employees of AAAID and a number of personalities and former officials of AAAID.

Similar to his expression of sincere gratitude to Sudan in the farewell ceremony held on Sunday 30/11/2008 which was attended by a number of V.I.P.’s, officials from the Sudanese government, Arab ambassadors, and representatives of organizations, in his farewell speech of Monday 1st December 2008, H.E. Mr. Al-Amri expressed his thanks and gratitude to the government and people of Sudan for the support and encouragement he received from them during his work in Sudan. He stated that he was proud of the exceptional honor he received from the President of the Republic where he was awarded El Neilain Order (First Class), and of the distinctive treatment he received from the government and people of Sudan. He praised the economic developments which the Sudan witnessed and stated that the natural resources which it possesses make it a key target for agricultural investments. He pointed to the contribution of AAAID in strengthening Arab partnerships in the agricultural sector and that its success confirms the possibility of the success of joint Arab action in the economic sphere. He stated that Mr. Al-Sharhan will continue the progress of AAAID and will receive sincere cooperation and welcome from the people in Sudan and all Arab countries.

In both of the above mentioned farewell fests, as well as the various meetings during the farewell week, Mr. Al-Amri expressed his thanks to all AAAID member countries (20 states) governments and peoples for the support and cooperation he received from them. He also expressed his sincere thanks to Excellencies the members of AAAID Board of Shareholders, his colleagues Excellencies the current and former members of the Board of Directors, Arab, regional and international organizations, all AAAID current and former employees, particularly those who served during his presidency period, and to the boards of directors, managers, and employees of all companies in which AAAID is a shareholder.

H.E. Mr. Ali Saeed A-Sharhan, the succeeding president of AAAID, thanked the attendants for the warm welcome he received from them and from various officials. He commended Mr. Al-Amri and his success in achieving many accomplishments for AAAID. He assured that he will continue fruitful cooperation with Sudan and all member states.

A number of AAAID current and former employees gave speeches in which they commended the great efforts made by Mr. Al-Amri towards developing the performance of AAAID, and his care for Sudan and all Arab countries, as well as the staff of AAAID and the companies in which it has shareholdings. They expressed their welcome to the new president of AAAID and assured their support to him. The ceremony included handing of gifts to Mr. Al-Amri from AAAID employees in the main office in Khartoum, the regional office in Dubai, as well as a number of companies in which AAAID is a shareholder.
 
 


His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sudan met H. E. the President of AAAID

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sudan, Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed EL-Bashir, met H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad AL-Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), on Wednesday 19/11/2008 in the Guest House in Khartoum. H. E. the president of the Republic of Sudan expressed his appreciation of the role of AAAID in supporting the economic mobilization in Sudan, and particularly the agricultural part of it. He confirmed Sudan’s full support to AAAID in order to fulfill its mission and success in achieving its objective in Sudan.

In a press statement after the meeting, H. E. the President of AAAID expressed his gratitude for the exceptional honor he received from H. E. the President of the Republic of Sudan, represented in EL Neilain Order conferred to him before, and for the special treatment from the Sudanese government and people during his work in Sudan. H. E. Mr. AL-Amri stated that there is an intention for establishing a large agricultural investment company. He added that Sudan is in the top of the U.A.E. agricultural investment priorities. He expressed his appreciation for the economic development which the Sudan has achieved, as well as the natural resources which make the Sudan a major target for agricultural investments.
 
 


UNRWA and AAAID cooperate to help poor Palestine refuges in Gaza and Lebanon

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) are cooperating again to help poor Palestine refuges in Gaza and Lebanon.

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Ms. Karen Koning AbuZayd has signed three agreements with AAAID’s President, H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri. The ceremony took place on 28 September 2008 in the regional office of AAAID in Dubai, U.A.E..

The first agreement of US$ 2 million will help UNRWA create jobs mainly related to agriculture and fishery in Gaza. The number of beneficiaries directly supported by this funding is 2,312 who in turn support approximately 11,560 dependents

AAAID is also assisting UNRWA with the reconstruction of houses belonging to extremely poor families in South Lebanon, those who could not otherwise afford a decent place to live. The Arab Authority is donating US$ 250,000 towards this project.

AAAID is also contributing US$ 300,000 for a joint UNRWA/FAO project aiming at enabling those with no resources to start their own agricultural activities, developing the capacity of the agricultural sector in South Lebanon, and building and improving the technical capacity of the Palestine refugee farmers for better planning and production

The agreements, which worth US$ 2.55 million, will raise AAAID’s total donations to the Agency to US$6.15 million in less than two years.

The Commissioner General expressed her deep appreciation to AAAID for its continued support to UNRWA and the refugees it serves.

 
 


AAAID’s Board of Directors Held Its 134th Meeting in Dubai

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 134th meeting in the period 10-11 September 2008 in its regional office in Dubai, U.A.E. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID.
 
Among the most important resolutions made by the Board were the following:

  • Approval of increasing the percentage of AAAID share in the capital of Asseer Company for Poultry Production / Saudi Arabia (which amounts to SR160 million), from 30% to 45%. The share of the Cooperative Association of Poultry Producers in Asseer area would thus be 55%.
     

  • Approval of providing a bank guarantee to a bank against providing a $50 million loan to White Nile Sugar Company.
     

  • The Board took notice of the production and financial performance of AAAID companies covered by the follow-up report which was presented to the Board. The Board also took notice of the loans activity performance report.

 
 


AAAID Inaugurated its Library following Completion of its Expansion and Modernization

H.E. Dr. Eissa Basheri Mohamed – State Minister/ Ministry of Science and Technology,
and H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al Amri – President of AAAID
at the moment of cutting the ribbon in inaugurating AAAID Library

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development inaugurated its library in the main office of AAAID in Khartoum, following completion of the library expansion and modernization project. The inauguration took place on 17th June 2008 where H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad AL-Amri, President of AAAID, presented H.E. Dr. Eissa Basheri Mohamed, State Minister – Ministry of Science and Technology, to cut the inauguration ribbon in a ceremony attended by officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology and a number of university vice presidents, deans of faculties of Agriculture and librarians.

H. E. the President of AAAID stated that the objective of developing the library and establishing the electronic library was to support scientific research following the growing role of agricultural information in developing agriculture. He pointed out that the agricultural library supports agricultural professionals to develop agricultural production and enhance food security. He explained that the AAAID library has been supplied with scientific references for the areas of plant production, animal production, and food agricultural processing, and provided with the most advanced technologies and internet service aiming at enabling researchers to obtain information. He noted that the library is open for researchers, including scholars, university instructors, professionals and graduate students in the above mentioned disciplines.

It is worth mentioning that, beside books, AAAID library has subscriptions into about 150 periodicals, including 80 refereed journals in the aforementioned disciplines and 70 specialized magazines. The journal subscriptions include online subscription in 31 journals.
 
 
 

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 133rd meeting, 12/6/2008

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 133rd meeting on 12 June 2008 in AAAID's regional office in Dubai, U.A.E. Among the most important resolutions made by the Board were the following:

• Maintaining AAAID's share in the White Nile Sugar Project at 15% of the project's capital which is $220 million, by increasing its shareholding amount from $22.5 million to $33 million, following the increase in the project's capital.
 
• Approval of AAAID shareholding in a number of projects in member countries.

• Took note of the Executive Committee's approval of AAAID's contribution by $200,000 in the date palm development projects which were proposed by the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD).

• Granting loans to a number of the companies in which AAAID has shareholdings.
 
• Establishing a program, in the amount of $100 million, for granting revolving credit to small farmers in Arab countries. AAAID contributes to the project by an amount of $10 million. AAAID would endeavor to mobilize resources to the program from different financial institutions, and would undertake supervision of lending operations and the provision of agricultural services to farmers.

• Following the Board of Shareholders' resolution for establishing a company or companies for investment in the Arab countries which have comparative advantages for the production of cereals, forages and other crops, the AAAID Board of Directors issued a resolution for the preparation of a feasibility study for cereal and crop production, to start with emphasis on wheat, identifying the available cultivable areas, and encouraging farmers to produce it.
 
 

 

The Board of Shareholders of AAAID Held its 32nd annual meeting

Mr. H.E. Abderrahmane Ould Hamma Vezzaz, the representative of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, chairman of the 32nd term, inaugurated the meeting. The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

• Election of H.E. the representative of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania as
chairman of the Board for its 32nd term, and H.E. the representative of
Somalia as deputy chairman of the Board for the same term.
 
• Election of H.E. the representative of the Republic of Somalia as a deputy
chairman of the Board for its 33rd term, and H.E. the representative of
Tunisia as deputy chairman of the Board for the same term.

• Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves, as at 31.12.2007.

• Authorizing the Board of Directors of AAAID to study the establishment of
an investment company or companies, with shareholdings by AAAID and
interested member states, financial institutions and the private sector, to
invest in countries which have comparative advantages for the production
of cereals and forages and other agricultural crops.
 
• Allocation of 10% of AAAID net income for the year 2007 to support the people of Palestine.

• Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid-up capital.

• Approval of AAAID investment program for 2008-2009.

• Approval of the Republic of Djibouti for joining the Agreement of Establishment of AAAID.

• Thanking H.E. the President, excellencies the members of the Board of
directors, and the employees of AAAID, for their fruitful efforts during
the year 2007.
 
It is worth mention that many of the members of AAAID Board of Shareholders have
expressed their appreciation of the role of AAAID and H.E. Mr. Abdul
Kareem Muhammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, for his great role in
developing the performance of AAAID.
H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri addressed the Board of Directors meeting, briefing the Board on the performance of AAAID. He explained in his statement that AAAID has continued its efforts towards its objectives of contributing in achieving food security in the Arab region, where it focused on introducing and disseminating modern production technologies and establishing agricultural production models. The total of AAAID investments in companies amounted to US$ 514 million, equivalent to 140% of paid-up capital. He pointed to the solid financial position of AAAID, where it distributed dividends to member states amounting to US$ 333 million, equivalent to 91% of paid-up capital, while shareholders' equity has amounted to US$ 696 million, equivalent to 190% of paid-up capital.
 
 
 

 

The President of AAAID Visits South Darfur

In response to an invitation by H. E. Mr. Ali Mahmoud Mohamed, Governor of the state of South Darfur, H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammed AL-Amri, President of AAAID, visited the state of South Darfur in the period 6-7 March 2008, accompanied by a team of experts from AAAID.

The AAAID team met with H. E. the Governor, the deputy governor, and a number of ministers and technical staff in the ministries of finance, agriculture and planning to discuss investment and development projects in the state. The team also visited the veterinary laboratory, Niyala slautery, the agricultural research station and a number of cattle and poultry rearers. The team visited Dhia'ain municipality where it viewed Al Gazala Gawazat quarantine, and discussed the possibility of utilizing the quarantine in a project for red meat production which is currently under study by AAAID.

At the end of the mission, H. E. the president of AAAID, directed the concerned departments in AAAID to study switching Al Gazala Gawazat scheme to an investment project, in addition to studying the impact of two developmental projects of milk processing and poultry production in Niyala. He directed for drilling a number of wells in the area by utilizing the well drilling unit established recently by AAAID, in addition to the implementation of projects for the benefit of the population in the area, where such projects would be for developing the growing of fruits and vegetables and the application of zero-tillage farming system with the purpose of increasing grain yields in the state.
 
 


 

The President of AAAID and the Minister of Agriculture in the Blue Nile State Discuss Agricultural Development in the State

H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammed AL-Amri, President of AAAID, received in his office in the Headquarters of AAAID in Khartoum, H. E. Mr. Zayid Eissa Zayid, the Minister of Agriculture in the Blue Nile State/ Sudan.

The meeting discussed the important role played by AAAID, through its affiliated Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (Agadi), in making a break through in rain-fed agriculture in the area by introducing modern cultivation systems represented in the Zero-Tillage farming system which resulted in about 400% increase in crop yield, and which started to be disseminated to other areas within Sudan as well as in other member countries in AAAID. The meeting also discussed rehabilitation of Damazine ginnery plant.

H. E. the Minister expressed his, as well as the state government's, appreciation for the role of AAAID represented in Agadi company as it is a vital model which effected a break through in rain-fed agriculture by introducing the zero-tillage farming technology. He stated that there is a wide intention on the part of farmers to grow cotton crop in the coming seasons following the success achieved by the company. He promised to exert all efforts by the state to solve any problems which face the company, especially in cotton ginnery.

H. E. The President of AAAID expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the government of Sudan and the state government for the emphasis they place on AAAID projects. He assured that Agadi Company is one of the companies on which AAAID places a special emphasis as it has achieved a jump in agricultural productivity following its adoption of modern technologies. He assured AAAID's full technical and financial support to the company which stands as a pride to the government of Sudan and the government of the Blue Nile State. He stated that AAAID, in coordination with the state government, work to make necessary arrangements to solve the problems of the ginnery and then rehabilitating it to serve the company's production and the expected expansion in cotton production in the state.

 
 

 

H. E. The President of AAAID and H. E. the Governor of S. Kordofan State Discuss Zero-Tillage Experience

H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammed AL-Amri, President of AAAID, received in his office in Khartoum, H. E. Mr. Omer Suliman, the Governor of S. Kordofan State/ Sudan, and H. E. Eng. Khairi Al-Gaddal Arbab, the Minister of Agriculture in the State.

The meeting discussed the experience of AAAID in the zero-tillage farming technology transfer in the state, which achieved great success and wide acceptance by farmers and officials in the state.

H. E. the Governor expressed his sincere thanks to AAAID and invited AAAID to explore the possibility of introducing new crops for the purpose of diversification of crop mix in the state and promised to extend all capabilities of the state to the success of the experiment.

H. E. The President of AAAID expressed his thanks and appreciation for the state government and its support to the efforts of AAAID towards achievement of its objectives. He assured the support of AAAID towards contributing in developing agriculture in the state.

The two sides agreed to expand the dissemination of the zero-tillage farming system which started last season. 
 
 


H.E. the President of AAAID visits the Arab Company for Crop Production

His Excellency Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development AAAID)visited the project of the Arab Company for Crop Production in Atbara, Nile State, Sudan, accompanied by members of the company's board of directors and a number of AAAID experts. The purpose of the visit was to closely oversee the processes of wheat and alfalfa crops production as well as the preparations for next season.

The current situation indicates high yields of wheat and alfalfa. Preliminary estimates indicate that the wheat yield is expected to exceed 15 sacks per feddan ( 1 feddan = 4200 sq.meters ).

His Excellency the President directed the Board of Directors and management of the company to coordinate with all concerned authorities and relevant entities to work on resolving the irrigation problems so that the project can operate to achieve its objectives, which include contributing to food security by production of wheat and other grain crops and effectively contribute in exports by the production and processing of alfalfa for export. 

 


AAAID and UN-HABITAT signed an agreement for the establishment of a Medical and Rehabilitation Center in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territories

On 18th July 2007, an agreement was signed, in Khartoum, Sudan, between the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) for the establishment of a Medical and Rehabilitation Center in the Town of Taqua (Bethlehem), the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territories.
The agreement provides a framework of co-operation in the establishment of the Medical and Rehabilitation Center. In accordance with the agreement, AAAID will provide US $354,000 to finance the activities of the first phase of the Project which includes the construction of the first 2 floors of the six floors Medical and Rehabilitation Center.
 The Medical Center will provide medical services to, and improve the health status of, more than 30,000 people living in Taqua and its surrounding 12 rural villages in Bethlehem. It will, in particular, provide emergency medical services to the vulnerable population (poor women, children, the elderly and persons with chronic diseases) who are unable to travel to other medical centers in the area which often involves long waiting and arduous trips through check points. It will contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of the rural population in the area.

 Dr. El Kheir Khalafalla, who signed the agreement on the part of AAAID, has, on behalf of H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, welcomed the cooperation with UN-HABITAT and reiterated the commitment of AAAID to provide needed humanitarian assistance to mitigate the suffering of the Palestinian People in the Occupied Territories.
 Mr. Abdalla Abbas, who signed the agreement on the part of HABITAT, commended the initiatives of AAAID towards poverty alleviation in the Arab World, especially those undertaken to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian People. He expressed, on behalf of Mrs Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, his appreciation to H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammed Al-Amri, AAAID President, for the grant. He congratulated AAAID for its recent decision to establish a Palestinian Unit and expressed readiness to fully co-operate with the Chief of the unit.
 Mr. Abbas said that the establishment of this center is part of a portfolio of activities being currently implemented in the Palestinian territories within the framework of the Special Human Settlements Programme for the Palestinian People. He also expressed his hope that this co-operation in the establishment of the Medical Center will be the beginning of further cooperation between the AAAID and UN-HABITAT.
The land for the Medical Center was provided by the Medical Charitable Society of Taqua at a total cost of $60,000.
 


The Arab Authority continues the Application and Dissemination of Zero-Tillage Farming System

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) continues the application and dissemination of the zero-tillage farming technology. Based on the preparations made and the current rainfall, the farming season 2007/2008 in the rain-fed sector in Sudan is promising with excellent yields in the various locations for applying this farming system. The Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Company (ASBNACO) is applying the system for the third commercial production season. The grown crops include sorghum, sesame, cotton and sunflower. The farmer locations for applying the system under the program for technology transfer to small farmers, as well as the Pioneers Company for Zero-tillage Farming, show proper preparations which indicate promising productivities.
 His Excellency Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, made many visits to the sites of applying Zero-tillage farming system for this season. His site visits spanned the preparation period to the sowing period. This is a continuation of His Excellency’s visits to the sites of applying this farming technology throughout all the stages of the farming operation for all the previous years. He places a special emphasis on this farming technology as it has a potential for effective contribution in developing Arab agriculture, within other efforts.
It is worth mentioning that the crop yields under the zero-tillage farming system amounted to fourfold the achieved yields under the traditional farming systems. Therefore, AAAID aims at the dissemination of this farming technology to other locations in Sudan and to a number of other Arab countries. The achieved crop yields under this farming system stand as an open invitation to all parties, and national, regional and international institutions and organizations concerned with combating poverty, and with food security, and sustainable rural and agricultural development in an effective manner, to work for enabling farmers to apply this promising farming system which has achieved proven success. For more information on the application and adaptation of zero-tillage farming system click here.
 
 


AAAID Organized The Third Seminar on Biotechnology and its Applications in Arab Agricultural Investment, Amman, Jordan, 21-24 May 2007

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), in collaboration with the National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer and the Islamic Development Bank, organized the Third Seminar on Biotechnology and its Applications in Arab Agricultural Investment, Amman, Jordan, 21-24 May 2007 . The main objectives of the seminar were: exchange of expertise and successful applications among scientists and investors, discuss the current status and applications of biotechnology in agricultural investment and its prospects, diagnose the constrains and problems facing biotechnology implementation in agricultural development in the Arab countries, and exploring the investment opportunities in the Arab world. The papers presented in the seminar covered different areas such as  the role of biotechnology in agricultural development and product improvement and marketing, the potential of genetically modified crops for Arab agriculture , the potential and promising investments in biotechnology, bio-safety of biotechnology products and their impact on the environment and human health, and  laws and regulations controlling biotechnology products.
In his statement in the opening session, H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammed Al-Amri, President of AAAID, indicated that the organization of the seminar was part of the efforts of AAAID which aim at developing the agricultural sector. He pointed out that the utilization of biotechnology can enable the agricultural sector to effectively contribute in poverty alleviation and in achieving food security goals. He pointed to the attention given by Arab countries towards the adoption of such technology and to the valuable achievements by national and international research centers in the region. He concluded his speech by thanking H.M. King Abdallah Bin Hussein and the government and the people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting and facilitating holding the seminar. He also thanked H.E. Dr. Marouf al-Bakhit, Prime Minister, under the auspices of whom the seminar was held, and thanked Dr, Mustafa Qurunfilah, Minister of Agriculture for participating in the seminar as well as for supporting the programs of AAAID in Jordan. He also thanked the co-organizers and the united Arab Emirates University for their sincere efforts which led the seminar to success.
 
 


The Board of Shareholders of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its 31st annual meeting in the period 11-12 April 2007 in Beirut, Republic of Lebanon, within the annual meetings of Arab Financial Institutions.

The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the State of Qatar as chairman of the Board for its 31st term.
     

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the Republic of Somalia as a deputy chairman for the Board for its 31st term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves as at 31.12.2006.
     

  • Allocation of 10% of AAAID net income for the year 2006 to support the people of Palestine.
     

  • Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid-up capital.
     

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2007-2008.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Khalfan Bin Kharbash, chairman of the Board of Shareholders for its 30th term expressed his appreciation of the achievements of AAAID in the areas of its investment and development activities and its solid financial position.
 H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri addressed the Board of Directors meeting, briefing the Board on the performance of AAAID. He explained in his statement that the total agricultural investment activity amounted to US$ 454 million, equivalent to 131% of paid-up capital, distributed profits amounted to 91% of paid-up capital, whereas shareholders’ equity has doubled, amounting to nearly 700 US$ million. He indicated that AAAID has presented a real addition to Arab agriculture by introducing zero-tillage farming technology which achieved a jump in productivity amounting to about 400% percent increase in crop yields over the yields achieved under the traditional farming systems. It is thus anticipated to effectively contribute in developing agriculture and food security
 
 


AAAID organized a Workshop on the Production of Fertilizers in Sudan:

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development organized a workshop for discussing the idea of establishing an investment project for the production of fertilizers in Sudan. The workshop was held on Tuesday December 2006 in the main office of AAAID in Khartoum.
H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, delivered a welcome speech, thanking H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al-Ameen Kabbachi, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in Sudan, for attending and participating in the workshop. He said that the provision of fertilizers at reasonable prices is one of the determinants of agricultural investment and production, as it has direct impact on productivity and comparative advantages of agricultural products. He pointed to the existence of ample resources in Sudan, the vast enhancement in the investment environment, and the green mobilization announced recently in Sudan. He commented that the green mobilization is backed by the substantial support from the government and the loyal agricultural management led by H.E. the Minister of Agriculture who places much emphasis and effort towards the development of the agricultural sector.
H.E. the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, eng. Mohammed Al-Ameen Kabbachi, delivered a speech. He indicated that Sudan has been importing fertilizers which are vital inputs for agricultural productivity, and that there is expansion in the use of fertilizers following the expansion of cultivated lands, the adoption of modern technologies, and the green mobilization which aims at raising agricultural productivity. He appreciated the initiative of AAAID towards the production of fertilizers, the thing which serves the objective of raising agricultural productivity and developing the agricultural sector. He pointed, in a TV statement held on the side of the workshop, that the Ministry of Agriculture counts on the great role of AAAID led by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri who excels all efforts for supporting the essential elements for developing the agricultural sector.
The objectives of the workshop include specifying the types of the required fertilizers, estimating the current and future demand and the quantities of available raw materials, discussing the appropriate technologies to be applied, and coming up with recommendations to help formation of the proposed project.
All papers presented in the workshop indicated the existence of ample demand for fertilizers in Sudan. The total actual need for all types of fertilizers is expected to rize to one million tons. The required fertilizers mainly include urea, then super phosphate and NPK compound. The workshop indicated that there are strong potentials for the project and strongly recommended moving to the next step which is conducting the feasibility study.
The workshop was attended by H.E. Marshal Abdul Rahman Suwar Al-Dahab, and the participants included Arab Fertilizer Association, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Sudan), Ministry of Energy and Mining, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Science and Technology, and SAMADCO Co. /Sudan, the Agricultural Council, the three major agricultural schemes of Gazira, Rahad, and Halfa, the deans of agricultural departments of each of the University of Khartoum, University, University of Gazira, Sudanese Farmers Union, and a number of fertilizer companies.
 
 


AAAID donates US$0.5 million to UNRWA: Food Security Program in Gaza and the West Bank

Amman – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) has received a contribution of $0.5 millions from the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) for UNRWA’s Food Security programme in Gaza and the West Bank. This donation will enable UNRWA to purchase 465 metric tons (MT) of sugar and 270 MT of sunflower oil.
In a ceremony held on December 13, 2006 the Radisson SAS hotel in Amman, an agreement for the contribution was signed by Mr. ElKheir Khalafalla Khalid, Head of Development Programs Department of AAAID, and the Deputy Commissioner General of UNRWA Mr. Filippo Grandi, who expressed his appreciation for the AAAID contribution which will support UNRWA’s activities in the West Bank and Gaza. UNRWA’s Director of External Relations, Mr. Rene Aquarone, as well as a number of senior UNRWA officials attended the ceremony.
UNRWA distributes food rations to the poorest of the refugees in the special hardship case category on a bi-monthly basis. The value of this relief assistance is about US$110 per person annually, and most of it is received as in-kind donations from donor governments in the form of basic foodstuffs such as flour, rice, sugar, milk and cooking oil.
In September 2006, AAAID contributed $2m to UNRWA’s microfinance and
Microcredit programme in the West Bank and Gaza strip.
As a relief and human development agency, UNRWA provides education, healthcare, social services and emergency aid to over 4.3 million refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab republic.
 
 


A Discussion Meeting for the Establishment of a Project for Red Meat Production, Processing and Marketing in Sudan:

A meeting headed by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Moammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, was held on 3/12/2006 in AAAID’s regional office in Dubai for discussing the establishment of a project for red meat production, processing and marketing in Sudan. A number of distinguished Kuwaiti and Sudanese investors participated in the meeting, including H.E. Dr. Ali Al-Zumeya’ – Director of the board of directors of Watheeqa Holding Co., H.E. Mr. Badr AlGar-Allah – Director of the board of directors of Kuwaiti Livestock Trading and Transportation Co., and H.E. Mr. Al-Shareef Yousuf Badr – Director of the board of directors of Gazira Scheme, Sudan.
H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri explained in a statement that the objective of the proposed project is to cover the demand for live sheep in all Arab countries, specially the Gulf area, in addition to supplying the Islamic Development Bank with sacrifice sheep (adhahi) during pilgrimage season. The project cost is expected to be about $150 million. The feasibility study will be financed by AAAID and the Islamic Development Bank. It will be carried out by a specialized Australian consultant.
H.E. Mr. Al-Amri indicated that the proposed project is the first of its type and size in the Arab region, as it is comprised of 2 activities: developmental and investment. The developmental part of it aims at developing the livestock sector in Sudan by entering small and medium animal raisers into the circle complementing the project, and providing veterinary, extensional, and feed services to this group. This would contribute in developing the livestock sector and enhancing the incomes of raisers. The investment element of it is composed of an integrated project including fattening, processing and marketing, using state-of-the-art world technologies.
 
 


AAAID’s Board of Directors Held Its 127th Meeting in Dubai:

The Board of Directors of AAAID held its 127th meeting in its regional office in Dubai, U.A.E. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID.
The Board meeting agenda included the financial position of AAAID through the end of June 2006, follow up of the production, financial and marketing performance of AAAID companies and AAAID’s budget. This is in addition to discussing the rehabilitation of some AAAID companies, granting loans to some of them with the objective of raising the performance efficiency of those companies and strengthening their financial positions.
 
 


H. E. the President of AAAID visited the Union of the Comoros and was received by H.E. the President of the Union of the Comoros:

H. E. Mr. Abdul kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), visited the Union of the Comoros during the period 21-25 November 2006 and was received by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abdalla Sambi, President of the Union of the Comoros.
 H.E. the President of Comoros expressed his appreciation of the efforts of AAAID which aim at developing the agricultural sector and the fish industry in Comoros, indicating that the government and people of Comoros hope for a major role by AAAID in encouraging Arab investments to be directed to Comoros where ample promising investment opportunities exist.
AAAID implemented an urgent needs program in Comoros, including the provision of primary agricultural inputs, establishment of an agricultural equipment rental unit, distribution of inputs to low-income special needs groups, and taking necessary engineering preparations for establishing a tissue culture laboratory which preliminarily aim at producing banana plants.
 It is worth mention that AAAID is currently studying the implementation of investment projects in the agricultural and fish sectors in Comoros. Comoros is one of the member countries in AAAID.
 
 


AAAID participates in the LAS meeting for Arab financial organizations and institutions and contributes to Lebanon rebuilding:

In his address to the meeting of LAS Economic and Social Council held for Arab financing organizations and funds, on 15/10/2006, H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, announced the contribution of AAAID in the amount of US$ 5 million for rebuilding Lebanon Milk Company in Biqaa’. The statement by H.E. also included a US$ 250 thousand grant as a contribution to Lebanon rebuilding, as well as a US$ 250 thousand towards the developmental side as a revolving fund directed to agricultural societies of productive families in different locations in Lebanon.
 
 


The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development contributes US$ 2 million to small projects in the West Bank and Gaza:

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) signed an agreement for supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) micro finance and micro credit program (MMP) in the West Bank and Gaza. The amount of AAAID contribution to the program is US$ 2 million.
On 13/9/2006, in the headquarters of UNRWA in Amman, the agreement was signed by H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad AL-Amri, President of AAAID, and H. E. Ms. Karen Koning Abuzayd, the Commissioner General of UNRWA.
The program targets 2000 small projects, which support families including 14,000 individuals. The contribution of AAAID will enable UNRWA increase the number of micro credit and micro finance from 18,000 to 24,000.
 
 


The Agreement of Establishment of the Arab Company for Veterinary Medicine signed in Dubai.

In a meeting headed by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID),  on 18/9/2006, an agreement was signed for establishing the Arab Company for Veterinary Medicine in Sudan. The meeting was held in the regional office of AAAID in Dubai, UAE.
 The agreement was signed by AAAID, the Arab Company for Drug Industries -  ACDIMA (Jordan), Public Corporation for Veterinary Supplies (Sudan), and Acdima for Veterinary Medicines (Syria).   
 The project is located in Sudan. Its objective is to eliminate the veterinary medicine gap in Sudan and other Arab countries. Sudan was selected for the project location due to the existence of ample animal wealth, and is considered as the country which has the highest number of animals in the Arab region.
 
 


The Board of Shareholders of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its 30th annual meeting in the period 18-19 April 2006 in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, within the annual meetings of Arab financial institutions.

The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the United Arab Emirates as chairman of the Board for its 30th term.
     

  • Election of H.H. the representative of the the State of Qatar as a deputy chairman for the Board for its 30th term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves as at 31.12.2005.
     

  • Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid in capital.
     

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2006-2007.
     

  • Approval of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a new member to AAAID and its subscription to its capital.

 


The Fourth Meeting of AAAID Companies held in Fujairah, 22-24 March 2006:

Within Fujairah International Agricultural Exhibition, 22-24 March, 2006, United Arab Emirates, AAAID held the fourth meeting for the companies in which it has shareholdings. 20 of AAAID companies participated in the exhibition and the workshops. Both of the exhibition and the workshops were very successful in introducing AAAID investment and development activities, introducing the companies products, and exchanging ideas between them. They also shed light on the services provided by the Arab Authority Center for Consultancy Services (AACCS), which builds on AAAID’s long experience in agricultural production (both plant and animal production) and processing to provide consultancy to AAAID companies and other companies.
 The success of the exhibition and workshop was due to the excellent organization by Fujairah Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, under the auspices of H. H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed AL Sharqi, Governor of Fujairah.
 
 


H.E. the President of the Republic of Sudan visits the Zero-tillage farming technology transfer projects in Gadarif state

H.E. the President of the Republic of Sudan, Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed ElBashir, visited the sites of the zero-tillage farming technology transfer projects in Gadarif state implemented by the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), on 3/12/2005. H.E. the President was received by H.E. Mr Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, and senior officials of AAAID. H.E. the President of the Republic viewed the achieved high yields and inaugurated the harvest process at the field of one of the farmers applying the zero-tillage farming system. He expressed his appreciation of the efforts of AAAID in introducing modern technologies for developing agriculture.
H.E. the President of AAAID delivered a speech in which he welcomed H.E. the President of the Republic and the accompanying officials and expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the government of Sudan in facilitating the strive of AAAID in performing its duties towards contributing in developing agriculture in Sudan and the rest of the Arab region. He stated that AAAID has introduced the zero-tillage farming system to increase production and yields in the rain-fed sector in Sudan. It is worth mentioning that farmers under the experiment achieved yields ranging between 11 to 15 sacks per feddan, compared to less than 4 sacks per feddan in the traditional sector.
 
 


Workshop on " Tissue Culture and its Applications in Agricultural Investment in the Arab Region:

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of U.A.E., the United Arab Emirates University and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations , organized the second  workshop on " Tissue Culture and its Applications in Agricultural Investment in the Arab Region". The workshop was held in the period 12-14 June 2005 in AL 'Ayn city, U.A.E
 
 


The Board of Shareholders of the of Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its 29th annual meeting in the period 12-13 April 2005 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:

The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco as chairman of the Board for its 29th term.
     

  • Election of H.H. the representative of the United Arab Emirates as a deputy chairman for the Board for its 29th term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves as at 31.12.2004.
     

  • Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid in capital.
     

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2005-2006.
 


A workshop on: Date Processing and Marketing and the Utilization of Date Palm Byproducts in the Arab Region, Present and Views for the Future:

Under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Mugrin Bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, Governor of Medina region, the workshop on: Date Processing and Marketing and Utilization of Date Palm Byproducts in the Arab Region was inaugurated on 8 June 2004, honored by the attendance of H.E. Dr. Fahd Balghonaim, Minister of Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development. The workshop was organized by the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, in coordination with the Cooperative Association of Date Producers & Processors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .
The workshop continued for 3 days in the period 8-10 June, 2004, where 28 papers were presented, and was attended by 170 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Medina region, representatives of Arab and International institutions, a number of experts from the Arab region as well as from the rest of the world, and date processing and marketing companies. The workshop came out with a number of significant recommendations on date palm issues, date processing and specification, information database, date tissue culture program. The participants recommended holding a workshop every 3 years.
Date: 8-10- 2004

Place: El Medina Al-Monaurah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 
 


Following the Success of the Zero-Tillage Farming System in Agadi, AAAID Proceeds on Zero-Tillage Technology Transfer to Farmers in Gadarif State , Sudan

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development has achieved outstanding success in introducing the zero-tillage farming system in the Pilot Farm in Agadi, Blue Nile State , Sudan . For instance, sorghum productivity has increased from 250 kg/feddans to 1200 kg/feddans, a percentage increase of almost 400%. Upon the achievement of increases in crop yield, the governor of Gadarif state, Dr. Abdul Rahman AL Khedir, together with the head of the Sudanese Farmers Union, Mr. Karam Alla Abbas, directed an invitation to H. E. the President of AAAID, Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad AL-Amri, to visit Gadarif state and consider zero-tillage technology transfer to farmers in the state.
 As a response to that sincere invitation, H. E. the President of AAAID visited Gadarif state on 26/6/2003 . The discussions held in the visit resulted in the state request for zero-tillage farming technology transfer to farmers in the state.
 According to the above mentioned request, H. E. the President of AAAID, directed the Applied Agricultural Research Department in AAAID to proceed on zero-tillage technology transfer to farmers in Gadarif state starting from the 2004 cultivation season. Accordingly, a comprehensive program was prepared for zero-tillage farming technology transfer to farmers. Implementation of the program started with the selection of small farmers in Kaffai-Doca area, in full coordination with the state ministry of agriculture and the farmers union in the state. AAAID carried out all the necessary preparations for the success of the program, including the provision of machinery, inputs, experts and technologies, and field supervision. Cultivation was actually started and AAAID found positive and active response from farmers. The program is proceeding under close follow up by the top executive management in AAAID aiming for the spread of the farming system to all the rain-fed areas in Sudan . It is worth mention that Gadarif state is one of the largest states in the rain-fed mechanized farming sector in Sudan .
 
 


AAAID Board of Shareholders Annual Meeting, 14-15 April, 2004, Kuwait :

The Board of Shareholders of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its 28th annual meeting in the period 14-15 April 2004 in Kuwait .
The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the State of Kuwait as chairman of the Board for its 28th term.
     

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco as a deputy chairman for the Board for its 28th term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves as at 31.12.2003, as well as the Board of Director’s reports.
     

  • Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid in capital.
     

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2004-2005, and allocation of KD 9 million to the program.
     

  • Allocation of 10% of AAAID net income in 2003 to support the people of Palestine.
 


A workshop on: Agricultural Investment in Sudan and the Potential Contribution by French Agri-Business Companies

AAAID, in coordination with ADEPTA Group and under the auspices of the Ministry of Investment in Sudan, organizes a workshop on Agricultural Investment in Sudan and the Potential contribution by French agri-business Companies.
The workshop is part of a three day program of the visit of ADEPTA Group and nine agri-business French companies to Sudan . The opening session will include speeches by H. E. Mr. Sharif Badr the minister of investment in the Republic of Sudan , H. E. M. Pouyleau, Vice President of ADEPTA, and H. E. Mr. Abdul Kareem AL Amri, President of AAAID.
An introduction of AAAID programs and activities will be delivered by Dr. Naufal H. Rasheed, AAAID Vice President for Technical Affairs. An introduction of ADEPTA Group will be delivered by M. Florian de Saint Vinccent, ADEPTA's Manager for the Middle & Near East. Presentations by agri-business French Companies will follow. The workshop program also includes an exhibition by AAAID.

Date: 26.1.2004
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Dr. Khalfan Bin Kharbash Conference Hall, AAAID Main Office, Khartoum , Sudan .
 
 


A Presentation on FAO Africa Stockpiles Programme (ASP)

AAAID, in coordination with FAO Office in Khartoum , arranges for a Presentation on FAO Africa Stockpiles programme (ASP).
The presentation will be delivered by Mr. Mark Davis – Coordination and Chief Technical Advisor, Obsolete Pesticides, plant production and protection Division (AGTPP) of FAO.

Date: 21.1.2004
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Dr. Khalfan Bin Kharbash Conference Hall, AAAID Main Office, Khartoum , Sudan .
 
 


H.E. The General Secretary of LAS visits AAAID:

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development is honored by the visit of H.E. Mr. Amre Moussa the General Secretary of the League of Arab States on June 25th 2003 . A reception for H.E. was headed by H.E. the President and top executives of AAAID. H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Al Amri welcomed H.E the General Secretary of LAS with great appreciation of the visit which is the first visit by the General Secretary of LAS to AAAID since its establishment.
The program of this highly important event included speeches and lectures reflecting AAAID achievements throughout the past 25 years. The mentioned visit was part of the program of the visit of H.E the General Secretary of LAS to Sudan .
 
 


H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, re-appointed for a new term 2003-2008

In its 27th annual meeting held in Abu Dhabi in the period 22-23 April 2003, the Board of Shareholders of AAAID issued an important resolution for re-appointing H.E. Mr. Abul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri for a second term for the period 2003-2008.
This resolution came in consideration of the accomplishments achieved under his successful management of AAAID in his first term, to secure continuation of the programs for rehabilitation and development of AAAID investments and programs geared toward the development of agricultural investments in the Arab region.
AAAID experts, backup staff and workers, as well as AAAID companies are honored by this resolution and encouraged to increase efforts for further progress of AAAID and Arab agricultural production and processing.
 
 


AAAID Board of Shareholders Annual Meeting, 22-23 April, 2003, Abu Dhabi :

The Board of Shareholders of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its 27th annual meeting in the period 22-23 April 2003 in Abu Dhabi , U.A.E.
The Board issued a number of resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

  • Election of H.E. Mr. Abul Kareem Mohammad Al-Amri, President of AAAID, for a second term for the period 2003 - 2008.
     

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt as chairman of the Board for its 27th term.
     

  • Election of H.E. the representative of the State of Kuwait as a deputy chairman for the Board for its 27th term.
     

  • Approval of AAAID balance sheet, the final accounts and reserves as at 31.12.2002, as well as the Board of Director’s reports.
     

  • Distribution of dividends to shareholders equivalent to 5% of the paid in capital, amounting to about KD 5 million.
     

  • Approval of AAAID investment program for 2003-2004, and allocation of KD 9 million to the program.
     

  • Approval of the admission of the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros to join AAAID agreement of establishment and acceptance of its subscription in AAAID capital.

 


Promotion Workshop for Milk Collection and Processing Project 9-10 March 2003:

A promotion workshop for the promotion of the Milk Collection and Processing Project was held in Nouakchott , Mauritania on 9-10 March 2003, sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development and Environment in collaboration with AAAID. The project is anticipated to contribute in enhancing the incomes of rural milk producers and supply milk products of high quality and health standards to consumers. For more information, please click here.
 
 


Workshop on Tissue Culture 14-16 January 2003:

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of U.A.E. and the University of United Arab Emirates , organized a workshop on " Tissue Culture and its Applications in Agricultural Investment in the Arab Region". The workshop was held in the period 14-16 January 2003 in AL 'Ayn city, U.A.E. For more information.
 
 


Field Day 11.10.2002:

AAAID held a field day in the pilot farm for rain-fed agriculture in Agadi, Blue Nile , Sudan , on 11.10.2002. The field day was intended to introduce the large-scale experiment of zero-tillage cultivation system. The pilot farm has achieved outstanding success and substantial increases in productivity and quality. For more details, please click here.
 
 


EL Neilain Order Conferred to H.E. the
President of AAAID

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sudan, Lieutenant General Omer Hassan Ahmed AL-Bashir, granted the Order of the Two Niles (first class) to His Excellency Mr. Abdul Kareem Mohammad AL-Amri, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) on June 30th 2002. The Order was granted in recognition of the efforts exerted by H.E. Mr. Abdul Kareem AL-Amri in adopting a new strategy for initiating and implementing large-scale projects based on the application of modern integrated technology packages which are appropriate for local investment environments, and his efforts in establishing advanced pilot projects for developing agriculture in the Arab region. That was exemplified in the application of recent technologies for developing the rain-fed sector in Sudan where such technologies contributed in increasing yields of the main crops by about 400% of the traditional sector productivity. Another example is the application of an integrated technology package for alfalfa (forage) production and processing for export.

One of AAAID affiliated companies, namely the Arab Sudanese Blue Nile Agricultural Co. (Agadi), was granted the Order of Achievement in recognition of achieving a substantial increase in productivity in the rain-fed sector, reinstating hope in this large sector to make a substantial contribution to food security in the Arab region. This increase in productivity was mainly a result of the introduction of the Zero-tillage farming technology which is considered a significant breakthrough in solving the problems of the rain-fed sector.
 
 
 

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