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Abha Chamber of Commerce Supports Study on Climate Change in Asir

On behalf of Deputy Governor, HRH Prince Turkey bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, His Excellency the University Rector, Dr. Falleh bin Rajallah Al-Solamy, sponsored the opening of the "Agriculture Development in the Asir Region Forum: Reality and Hope", which was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in collaboration with the Media Office for Research and Consultation at King Khalid University. The opening ceremony was attended by the Assistant Director of the Emirate of Asir, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Duraibi, the General Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Asir, Faisal bin Zayid, and numerous senior leadership figures from the University.

The ceremony was opened with a speech from His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy where he expressed his appreciation and gratitude to HRH Prince Turkey bin Abdulaziz for sponsoring the forum and for his deep interest in developing the region.

Rector Al-Solamy stressed that the University devotes considerable attention to partnering with private and governmental entities. "This forum is the fruit of a cooperative partnership between the University and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Asir. It also underscores the active collaboration between the University and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Asir through burgeoning projects and opportunities offered in the field. They come in the form of various talks and sessions presented by industry experts and include the participation of farmers, businessmen, investors, and entrepreneurs." His Excellency then congratulated the launch of the Media Office for Research and Consultation at King Khalid University.

The General Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Asir delivered a speech where he stressed that the field of agriculture is one of the pillars of the national economy, which has received significant support and care from the government. "Although there are a lot of obstacles that face the field from the climate, nature, and society, the agricultural industry has achieved high levels of growth and productivity in both crops and animal products. The field is rich in experience and expertise." He noted that the Ministry has created 33 governmental enterprises as part of the 2020 National Transformation Program to boost the agricultural industry and to complete a comprehensive agricultural industry strategy that includes implementing a number of innovative projects to achieve sustainability. He also stressed that the Asir Region is considered a prime location by the Ministry due to the region’s natural resources and temperate climate.

Following after, Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee President, Mohammad Hazem, announced the adoption of climate research which will help predict the future of the environment and help plan for it. He also touched on the efforts of the committee, which is centered on finding solutions, overcoming obstacles, and consolidating the services provided. He finally announced the establishment of the outdoor festival and the seasonal fruit festival. He commented that both festivals are highly anticipated and expected to significantly contribute to the marketing and sale of locally sourced produce and animal products.

The General Director of the Media Office, Dr. Ali Zuhair Al-Qahtani, explained that the forum is a model for the agricultural industry. He also emphasized the critical role of development and support provided and thanked the partnering entities for their efforts as well as the committees involved. He concluded his remarks by asking Allah that this event becomes an opportunity to highlight the reality of agricultural development in the region leading to improved resource utilization.