Global trade liberalisation urged for food security, sustainability

Leading experts on Wednesday emphasised global trade liberalisation to ensure food security, sustainability and productivity improvements across nations, including Bangladesh.
They said that expanding trade relations between food-supplying and importing countries is a must to achieve "zero hunger" -- a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The experts, including economists, business leaders, global food suppliers, academics and researchers, gathered at the 'CRUSHCON' and 'HungerCon' conferences held in Dubai on Wednesday.
The event was organised by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
Acknowledging the inherent trade-offs between supplier and importing countries, the experts called for cooperation in an era of globalisation.
Prof Jack Bobo of the University of Nottingham, UK, said global food production needs to be boosted by 50 per cent over the next 30 years to keep pace with population growth.
While admitting the evolving nature of globalisation, the experts reaffirmed the critical role of trade liberalisation in ensuring a sustainable global food supply chain.
They also advocated for prioritising quality food production and protein intake in regions like South Asia and Africa.
Kevin Roepke, regional director of USSEC, pointed out that Bangladeshis spend around 50 per cent of their income on food.
But they need to consume quality food, including protein, in their daily meals, he said.
Mr Roepke said Bangladesh's poultry, fisheries and livestock sectors have made significant progress over the years. Now the focus should be shifted towards prioritising quality food consumption.
Stan Born, chairman of USSEC, said maintaining global relations for food security is important.
Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, underscored how a smooth global food supply chain will boost productivity and contribute to achieving sustainability across countries.
Marshall Essig, CFA of Cobank Singapore, said the fluctuation in US dollar rates and rising interest rates have impacted the global supply chain. Global leaders need to overcome these obstacles for a smooth food supply across regions.
Business leaders, food security experts, economists, researchers and major food and corn suppliers from the USA, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE participated in the two-day conference.

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