Amman, August 16 (Petra) – General Association for Foodstuffs Merchants of Jordan (GAFJO) commended His Majesty King Abdullah II's "unwavering" attention to food security, his diligent monitoring of the Kingdom's strategic reserves of essential commodities, and his continuous directives to maintain safe and sufficient stock levels throughout the year.
The GAFJO said this vision ensures sustainability of supplies and enhances the Kingdom's capacity to confront exceptional circumstances.
In a statement issued Sunday, the GAFJO affirmed its members' committment to their national and professional duty of maintaining the flow of goods and ensuring the continued availability of food and essential commodities in the local market.
The statement added that this role has been "fulfilled" despite various regional crises and tensions that have impacted trade and supply chains.
The GAFJO noted that food security is a "key" axis of national security, adding that strategic reserves top its most crucial tools.
To achieve Jordan's sustainable food security, GAFJO said this process requires "genuine" partnership and integration between the public and private sectors, and close cooperation among the 3 main sectors: Trade, agriculture, and industry.
To date, GAFJO said regional developments, shipping disruptions, and supply chain challenges in the region have imposed additional burdens and costs on importers and irregular delivery schedules.
GAFJO noted that this situation requires enhanced coordination and proactive preparedness to address any potential developments.
On imminent steps, GAFJO announced its general assembly will convene in the coming days to discuss the key challenges facing food importers and traders, review impact of current geopolitical conditions on supply chains, and agree on a set of feasible proposals and solutions to be submitted to official authorities.
GAFJO stated priority at this stage focuses on ensuring smooth flow of imports and their arrival in the Kingdom quickly, mitigating additional costs and burdens, and addressing any obstacles to import, storage, and distribution operations.
This effort would maintain market stability and the availability of goods in large quantities from diverse sources, it pointed out.
GAFJO indicated that food security is a "shared national responsibility and requires multilateral action and a unified national team, comprised of the government and the private sector, prioritizing interests of Jordan and its citizens." //Petra// AG
