MUSCAT: The inaugural week of the Food Security Lab 2024, held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR), spotlighted various challenges facing Oman's food security sector. The event was organised in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the National Programme for Investment and Export Development (Nazdaher), and the National Employment Programme.
Taking place at the JW Marriott hotel, the week concluded with engaging discussions and brainstorming sessions aimed at bolstering strategic directions and addressing challenges in the presence of their excellencies, dignitaries and CEOs from both the public and private sectors.
Key outcomes included the identification of challenges, standardisation of procedures, and the establishment of strategic planning through a structured evaluation process.
Analytical studies focused on Oman's investment opportunities and operational challenges, particularly concerning data and information management. The need for quality and accuracy standards for data was emphasised, alongside the necessity of creating matrices to catalog and evaluate opportunities in alignment with strategic aspirations. Finding solutions to gaps in digital transformation and integration were also highlighted during the high-level discussions.
During an alignment session, a comprehensive overview of the lab was presented, including updates on several key initiatives.
"These included an executive briefing on the Investment Centre, an overview of the Import Substitution Initiative, a briefing on the Ministry's Land Investment Initiative, and a review of the progress on the Enablers Pillar," a representative from the ministry noted.
Furthermore, the session featured updates on Oman's Water Consumption from Wells Measurement Initiative, the Energy Initiative, and the presentation of the National Community Solar Energy Programme by the Authority for Public Services Regulation.
The National Centre for Energy also showcased the Renewable Energy Fund for Food Security. Discussions covered the Food Basket Initiative, an update on the Local Content Centre, the Fisheries Economic Clusters Initiative, and progress on the pillars of digital transformation and strategic planning.
Throughout the first week of the Food Security Lab, a total of 33 initiatives were thoroughly examined. Among them, three were identified as requiring immediate decisions, ten necessitated additional support and twenty called for strategic guidance.
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