The main objective of establishing the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) is to contribute in achieving food security in the Arab region through investment, and the development of agricultural resources and capabilities, including natural and human resources and technical capabilities. During its 30-years activity, AAAID has acquired a vast experience in the area of agricultural investment study and management. It has obtained a unique accumulated and diversified field experience in agricultural investment in the areas of plant and animal production, and agricultural processing.

On the other hand, member countries have extremely emphasized the role of AAAID towards effecting a progress in agricultural investment and food industries. Therefore, AAAID represents a financial pot for agricultural investments in the Arab region. As is clear from its name, AAAID activities are not limited to investment activity, but it is also concerned with the development side, where investments are accompanied by directed development, technology adaptation and transfer, and development of rural communities, which all center on enhancing food security.

AAAID has paid special attention to the establishment of pilot agricultural projects that can be followed by other investors, aiming at reinforcing its contribution in raising investment efficiency. One of the most important examples in this scope is the introduction of zero-tillage farming technology which AAAID was able to adapt to the agricultural conditions in the rain-fed sector, achieving increases in crop yields averaging 300%. That represents a unique addition to agriculture in the Arab area and stands as an open invitation to all parties concerned with poverty alleviation, food security and sustainable agricultural development to work as partners to enable small farmers to have access to the utilization of this technology.

AAAID has established a Revolving-credit Fund , with a capital of $100 million, to finance small holder farmers, and invites all parties concerned with sustainable agricultural development and food security to participate in the fund.

The Arab region is endowed with a broad diversity of agricultural climates and environments, allowing the cultivation of a variety of grain crops, vegetables, fruits forages, sugar crops, and oil seeds crops throughout the year, beside livestock rearing, and fish and poultry production.

The Arab Authority is seeking to build strong bridges of fruitful relations, not only with international, regional and Arab institutions, but also with the private sector. The Arab Authority is fully prepared to coordinate with all parties to contribute to achieving the objectives of the new millennium.

The limited financial resources of the Arab Authority, and the absence of infrastructure in the agricultural sector in a number of Arab countries, still represent its current and future concerns, and pose challenges facing its role not only in bridging the food gap, as food security cannot be achieved by eliminating the food gap only, or by mass production or abundance of supply, but also by securing sufficient income to the poor to buy food and other necessities, as well as the provision of basic services.

I call upon all of AAAID partners in development - governments, international, regional and national institutions and organizations, the private sector, and the civil society institutions, to double efforts so that we can all contribute effectively towards achieving food security and reducing poverty, by working in a framework of integration between resources and collaboration between all of us as partners.

Ali Bin Saeed Al-Sharhan, President of AAAID