UN: World Food Prices Ease Slightly in July

FILE PHOTO: A person shops at a Whole Foods grocery store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, March 10, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A person shops at a Whole Foods grocery store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, March 10, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
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UN: World Food Prices Ease Slightly in July

FILE PHOTO: A person shops at a Whole Foods grocery store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, March 10, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A person shops at a Whole Foods grocery store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, March 10, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

The United Nations world food price index eased slightly in July according to data released on Friday, with a decline in the index for cereals partially offset by increases for meat, vegetable oils and sugar.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization's price index, which tracks the most globally traded food commodities, averaged 120.8 points in July, down from 121.0 in June. The June reading was revised after initially being given as 120.6, Reuters said.
Prior to July, the FAO index had risen for four consecutive months after hitting a three-year low in February as food prices receded from a record peak set in March 2022, following Russia's invasion of fellow crop export major Ukraine.
The July value was 3.1% down on its level one year ago and 24.7% below its 2022 high point.



GCC, Indonesia Sign Joint Statement to Launch Free Trade Negotiations

GCC, Indonesia sign joint statement to launch free trade negotiations. (SPA)
GCC, Indonesia sign joint statement to launch free trade negotiations. (SPA)
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GCC, Indonesia Sign Joint Statement to Launch Free Trade Negotiations

GCC, Indonesia sign joint statement to launch free trade negotiations. (SPA)
GCC, Indonesia sign joint statement to launch free trade negotiations. (SPA)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met yesterday with Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan in Jakarta, where they underscored the significance of strengthening cooperation between the GCC and Indonesia to bolster economic ties and serve mutual interests.
The meeting included a signing ceremony for a joint statement to initiate GCC-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Both sides emphasized that the FTA between the two countries would establish a solid groundwork for expanding trade and investment and fostering cooperation. They highlighted that it will also establish the framework for legislation, laws, and procedures governing investments between the two sides, set mechanisms for their implementation, and create new job opportunities.
Albudaiwi said that the signing of the joint statement aligns with the directives of the GCC leaders to strengthen ties with international partners, highlighting that the FTA will play a crucial role in realizing the economic visions of the GCC countries and their strategic plans for economic diversification.
He also said that the initial round of negotiations will begin this year and is anticipated to conclude within 24 months, as mutually agreed upon.