Cairo: Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk and FAO Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa Abdul Hakim Elwaer witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding to support agricultural development in South Sinai and strengthen Egypt's olive value chain.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the first project will launch a master plan for agricultural and rural development in South Sinai. This initiative focuses on empowering local communities, particularly young people and women, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The second agreement aims to develop a strategic framework for Egypt's olive value chain. It involves a comprehensive assessment of production, processing, and marketing to increase productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Farouk stated that the projects reflect Egypt's commitment to strengthening cooperation with international organizations to advance sustainable agricultural development.

Elwaer noted that FAO experts will collaborate with Egyptian counterparts to assess the olive sector and provide the necessary studies to develop a national strategy supporting sustainable growth and food security.