The Regional Forum on Enhancing E‑Commerce in Agricultural and Food Products, convened in Beirut from 19 to 21 January 2026, served as a high‑level platform for dialogue among policymakers, research institutions, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations from across the Arab region. The forum aimed to strengthen digital trade frameworks, promote innovation in agricultural value chains, and advance regional cooperation in food product e‑commerce.
Our organization’s participation was guided by the strategic objective of contributing to regional efforts that foster sustainable, inclusive, and technology‑driven agricultural trade. Throughout the three‑day program, we engaged in panel discussions, thematic workshops, and bilateral meetings, presenting our initiatives on digital transformation in agriculture and highlighting best practices for integrating smallholder farmers and SMEs into online marketplaces.
Key outcomes of our participation include:
- Enhanced visibility of our role in advancing agricultural e‑commerce.
- Active contribution to policy dialogues on harmonizing food safety and quality standards in digital trade.
- Establishment of preliminary partnerships with regional stakeholders for pilot projects in logistics, payment solutions, and traceability systems.
- Identification of funding and technical support opportunities from international organizations.
- Input into the forum’s final recommendations, which will inform regional strategies for strengthening e‑commerce in agricultural and food products.
The forum also underscored persistent challenges, notably limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, gaps in financial inclusion, and the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks. Addressing these issues will be critical to ensuring that e‑commerce becomes a driver of resilience, competitiveness, and food security in the region.
