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