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Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production
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Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a remarkable 47% increase in potato production in 2023, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 86% with over 621,750 tons of potatoes produced compared to 423,770 tons in 2021.

This milestone was achieved after more than 17,000 hectares of land were cultivated with potatoes in 2023, up from 15,890 hectares in 2021. The potato production surge has positively impacted the manufacturing sector, stimulating investment and the use of advanced technologies.

According to the Ministry, overall vegetable production in 2023 reached 3.21 million tons, marking a 19% rise from 2020.

The significant improvement in agricultural productivity and its SAR109 billion contribution to the GDP are attributed to the Ministry's strategic initiatives focused on boosting self-sufficiency, attracting investments, and providing financial support, including increased financing rates for modern technology-based projects.

By prioritizing local production and reducing reliance on imports, the ministry aims to achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and diversifying the national economy.

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Egypt, IMF Hold New Discussions to Alleviate Citizens’ Financial Burdens

Sisi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. (Reuters file photo)
Sisi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. (Reuters file photo)
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Egypt, IMF Hold New Discussions to Alleviate Citizens’ Financial Burdens

Sisi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. (Reuters file photo)
Sisi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. (Reuters file photo)

Egypt and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed to review their joint credit facilitation program to ensure that no additional burdens are placed on citizens.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reiterated the government’s commitment to “maintaining a flexible exchange rate in coordination with the central bank to safeguard the progress achieved in this area.” He expressed hope that the meetings with the IMF delegation in the coming days would “conclude the fourth review of the economic reform program.”

Following a meeting on Sunday between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Cairo, the Egyptian Presidency announced that Georgieva expressed her “full understanding of the significant challenges Egypt faces amid regional and global developments.”

In March, Egypt signed an $8 billion extended financial support package with the IMF, which requires reducing subsidies on fuel, electricity, and essential goods and allowing the Egyptian pound to float.

In late October, Sisi warned that his government might need to reassess its program with the IMF if international institutions do not account for the extraordinary regional challenges the country is facing. He cited a nearly 60% drop in Suez Canal revenue due to security tensions in the Red Sea as an example.

During the meeting with Georgieva, Sisi expressed Egypt’s commitment to continuing its cooperation with the IMF, building on progress to boost economic stability and reduce inflation. However, he stressed the need to acknowledge recent challenges Egypt has faced due to regional and international crises, which have impacted foreign currency reserves and budget revenues.

Sisi reiterated that the government’s primary focus is on alleviating pressures on citizens, particularly by controlling inflation and curbing rising prices, while also continuing efforts to attract investments and empower the private sector to drive employment and growth.

Georgieva, in turn, commended Egypt’s recent efforts and the reform program being “carefully implemented with a focus on the most vulnerable.” She highlighted the progress in macroeconomic indicators despite unprecedented current challenges, noting that this has been reflected in positive assessments from international credit rating agencies, improved credit ratings, and increased investments.

She expressed her “full understanding of the significant challenges Egypt faces amid regional and global developments” and emphasized the IMF’s commitment to working with the Egyptian government to identify optimal reform paths.