ROME : In his opening address at the 38th session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38), held in Rome, Dr. Dongyu stressed the critical importance of maintaining trade flows and ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient food, particularly in countries that are heavily dependent on imports.

The Director-General of the organisation noted that the major disruptions currently affecting food production, trade and distribution systems in the region have been exacerbated by global repercussions, including rising energy prices and disruptions in fertiliser markets. These have increased production costs and negatively impacted agricultural productivity regionally and internationally, he noted.

Dr. Dongyu further emphasised that he had informed Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, that the impact of the current crisis would have long-term consequences for the global agricultural sector.

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