In 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, which highlights that persistently high levels of hunger and malnutrition are driven by factors such as conflict, climate change, and economic downturns, compounded by underlying issues like lack of access to nutritious foods and persistent inequality. It also estimates that between 713 and 757 million people may have faced hunger in 2023. Especially in Western Asia, there has been an increase in hunger since 2015.[1] Given this global and regional context, cooperation to help mitigate these tendencies is central to food security.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Latin America have long-standing historical ties. Not only do these two regions cooperate in diverse areas, but there are also significant cultural connections fostered by the diaspora, which has facilitated the exchange of traditions, values, and social practices between the communities in both regions. The main purpose of this article is to explore the different areas in which GCC countries and Latin America can deepen cooperation toward food security. For that end, the concept of South-South Cooperation will be central.
The first section will be dedicated to the analysis of essential concepts such as South-South Cooperation and the Global South, paying special attention to their historical development and current significance. In addition, the matter of food security will be analyzed, emphasizing its multidimensional aspects— including availability, access, utilization, and stability— as well as its strategic importance for developing nations. The second section emphasizes the current experience regarding food security of the GCC. To this end, the focus is on the diversity of strategies being implemented in the region as well as its main challenges. By analyzing these comprehensive strategies, this section will illustrate how the GCC states are addressing food security as a strategic priority. The third section addresses different opportunities for cooperation between the GCC and Latin America in light of enhancing food security. Recent technological developments in matters of agriculture and biotechnology are addressed. In addition, the role of Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR) as a trade bloc is examined as a key player in the promotion of food security.
South-South cooperation and the concept of food security
To better understand the potential for collaboration between Latin America and the Gulf states about food security, it is first necessary to examine the concepts of South-South cooperation and food security itself.
As frequently observed, a concept can have different meanings. According to Lechini,[2] South-South Cooperation (SSC) emerged as a response or complement to the North-South cooperation and in clear differentiation to North-North relations. But first, we need to examine another concept that is fundamental to understanding the nature of the SSC, and it is the concept of the South. The “South” is not merely composed of those countries that are located south of the Equator. It has historical, political, and socio-economic connotations. It not only serves the purpose of dividing the world into distinct categories, the “developed” north and the “developing” south, but it also takes into consideration the shared identity of these countries and the similar historical experiences they had, for example, with colonialism.
Joseph Nye[3] reflects on this notion and affirms that the concept of South emerged to replace less acceptable terminology. During the Cold War, the world was divided into those who aligned themselves with the United States and those who were part of the Soviet bloc. Nevertheless, there was a third group of countries that did not fall in any of these two categories and were known as the “Third World.”[4] This category was first used by Alfred Sauvy in 1952 in an article titled “Trois Mondes, une planète” for the French newspaper L’Observateur. He drew an analogy with the “Third State” of the French Revolution, where three states composed the Old Regime: the Nobility, the Clergy, and the common people—usually farmers, artisans, and merchants—who did not enjoy the same privileges as the first two.[5] This quickly became an analogy for the context of the Cold War, where two global superpowers had supremacy over most of the rest of the countries.
However, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union at the beginning of the 1990s, the division of the world into categories of alignment lost its relevance, primarily since the Cold War ended with U.S. dominance, whose hegemonic position shaped the subsequent international order. Updated terms started to emerge, such as “less developed countries,” but it soon shifted toward “developing countries”, which had less pejorative connotation.[6] Other terms included “emerging markets” or “periphery”.
According to Lechini,[7] we can trace back the use of the term “South” in international relations to the independence of Asia and Africa at the end of World War II, in the “Pancha Shila” proclamation, also known as the Five Precepts or Five Virtues of Peaceful Coexistence, in 1954, following the Korean and Indochina wars. Nowadays, the usage of the concept Global South refers to countries whose collective experiences of historical exclusion in the realm of international governance play a significant role in promoting initiatives aimed at establishing a shared understanding[8]. Examples of “Global South” organizations are the G-77 and, more recently, BRICS+.
Revisiting the concept of SSC, several defining features can be identified, such as non-interference in domestic matters; equality among partner nations; a variety of ideas, approaches, and methods for collaboration; lower cost and greater effectiveness than North-South cooperation; a preference for utilizing local resources and increased flexibility.[9] Nonetheless, it is important to note that SSC does not replace or displace North-South cooperation; instead, it complements it by providing alternative strategies.
According to the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, SSC is:
“a process whereby two or more developing countries pursue their individual and/or shared national capacity development objectives through exchanges of knowledge, skills, resources and technical know-how and through regional and interregional collective actions, including partnerships involving Governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector, for their individual and/or mutual benefit within and across regions.”[10]
From this definition, we can identify different areas and levels in which countries can cooperate. It also highlights the multifaceted nature of SSC. Moreover, the partnership between the governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector illustrates the diverse stakeholders engaged in the collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.
An important aspect of SSC is political cooperation. This notion is based on the belief that this type of collaboration can enhance the negotiation power of “Southern” nations with the Northern ones. This can be achieved by gaining greater autonomy in decision-making. But for this to occur, it is necessary to have a common framework based on shared beliefs or like-mindedness.[11] An example of this can be the position of the G-77 countries in the Malvinas Cause or the declarations of the Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA). This reflects a collective effort to address challenges and enhance negotiation power by supporting Argentina in its diplomatic efforts.
Another concept key to this investigation is food security. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that “food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”[12]
From this definition, FAO identifies four dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability.[13] Each of these aspects plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals and communities have consistent access to food. The elements of utilization and stability underscore the importance of non-food inputs in the context of food security. Utilization refers to the proper use of food, which is influenced by factors such as nutritional knowledge, food preparation practices, and health conditions.[14] This dimension emphasizes that simply having food available is not enough. Thus, to maintain good health, individuals must also be able to effectively utilize the food they have access to.
Stability, on the other hand, highlights the need for a consistent and reliable food supply over time.[15] This dimension is especially relevant in the face of sudden shocks or global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, cyclical events, such as seasonal fluctuations in food production or market prices, can also impact the stability of food availability and access. The two dimensions illustrate that food security is not merely about food but a multidimensional phenomenon. Understanding this is crucial in the development of effective strategies to promote food security around the world.
Food security policies and strategies of the GCC states
The members of the GCC are in the top fifty most food-secure states in the world, according to the Global Food Security Index.[16] Still, the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasizes that the dependence on imported goods presents a significant challenge. Especially because the GCC states rely on basic imported goods such as rice and cereals,[17] with approximately eighty-five percent of their food supply coming from imports.[18] The 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the limited resilience to external crises; this scenario was followed by an increase in the demand for food-related goods.[19] Given the geopolitical context where global supply chains may be disrupted, addressing this challenge becomes a central issue. Most GCC states, such as Saudi Arabia, face another challenge, which is water usage in agriculture and the low percentage of land considered adequate for farming.[20] This has prompted the GCC states to invest and create innovative initiatives to mitigate the effects.
In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030, a blueprint for diversification and innovation of the economy.[21] This policy not only focuses on the transformation of the economy on its own but also takes into consideration different areas such as society and climate change. A set of targets is related to food and agriculture, such as achieving self-sufficiency in key products—dairy, eggs, poultry and seafood—increasing the agriculture’s contribution to the economy in an effort to be less dependent on the oil sector, ensuring the availability and price stability of food supplies and improving Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the Global Food Security Index, and promoting sustainable agricultural development and resource protection.[22] This set of goals reflects a comprehensive approach to food security-related issues that align with the goal of economic diversification and resilience.
Another key point in Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy is investment. The main body in charge of it is the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund,[23] the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and one of the biggest in the world. SALIC operates both locally and internationally, engaging in a variety of activities that include establishing new companies, forming strategic partnerships, and making significant investments in the agricultural sector. For example, in 2023, it acquired almost 43% of the National Aquaculture Group to support the farming of different seafoods, and in the same year also acquired 180 million shares in BRF, the largest poultry producer in Brazil.[24] Nevertheless, SALIC is not the only instrument of the Saudi food security strategy.
The Saudi government itself has also been fostering partnerships across the globe in this regard, with the aim of bringing valuable expertise and innovative practices back to the Kingdom and strengthening the local agricultural sector. An example of this is that in 2023 it launched a three-year initiative between the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), designed to address critical agricultural challenges and focus on enhancing the productivity of key crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, and sesame. There are also technological developments, such as a mobile application that can help trace information and digital tools for local farmers.[25] Through these collaborative efforts, the project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to agricultural development, combining international expertise with domestic needs to foster sustainable growth and resilience in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector.
Likewise, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented the National Food Security Strategy 2051, intending to improve the national score in the Global Food Security Index and achieve zero hunger. The policy is specifically designed to implement resilient agricultural practices that enhance both productivity and production while also contributing to the preservation of ecosystems.[26]
The UAE’s project comprises thirty-eight key initiatives, both short-term and long-term, and is guided by five strategic objectives that emphasize facilitating global food trade, diversifying sources of food imports, and identifying alternative supply chains to ensure coverage from three to five sources for each major food category. Additionally, it aims to establish a comprehensive national framework that promotes sustainable food production through the integration of modern technologies, enhances local food production capabilities, fosters international partnerships to diversify food sources, and implements legislation and policies aimed at improving nutritional standards while minimizing food waste.[27] Like the Saudi initiative, the UAE National Food Strategy is a comprehensive and integral policy that focuses on different key areas to promote a resilience plan toward food security.
A key element of the overall strategy is engagement with the private sector. Companies such as Al Dahra—a prominent agribusiness—have been central to the implementation of the food security policy through efforts to secure food supply chains. This is achieved by investing in agricultural lands overseas, along with an emphasis on essential commodities such as rice, flour, and animal feed to lessen the dependency on food imports, which account for ninety percent of their food supply. Another significant player in the private sector is Elite Agro, which has implemented techniques to boost the production of fruits and vegetables, such as hydroponics and vertical farming.[28]
Similarly, Qatar launched its National Food Security Strategy 2030 in 2024. This policy aims to achieve “sustainable food security through guiding principles, including promoting healthy consumption habits, ensuring food safety and quality, fostering sustainability, adapting to climate change and building effective partnerships.”[29] The plan is based on three pillars. The first aims to increase domestic production to meet market demand and guarantee food supply. The second focuses on creating strategic reserves and advanced early warning systems to ensure food security in times of crisis. The third emphasizes the diversification of food suppliers by building strategic partnerships with food-producing countries.[30] The strategies of the GCC often approach the issue of food security as an integral and comprehensive policy rather than just a food-supply matter.
Much like its neighbors in the GCC, Qatar faces similar challenges and environmental constraints, such as the low amount of arable land and water scarcity that threaten food security, as well as high dependency on imported goods. This led to the implementation of the first National Food Security Program in 2008 with the aim of reducing the reliance on imported food items through self-sufficiency.[31] The investment is managed through Hassad Food and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). For instance, QIA holds a twelve percent stake in Adecoagro—an agribusiness firm with a presence in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay—and owns around 40 percent of the joint venture with BRF in Brazil.[32] These are just a few examples of the strategy of diversification.
Equally important are the initiatives implemented in Oman. Currently, there is a significant investment of US$4.2 billion for a project known as Saham Agricultural City, with the primary objective to create a supportive environment for almost 30,000 farmers who reside in the region.[33] As a result, Oman expects to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability and overall strengthen its food security. The project also contemplates supplying nourishment for 25,000 people annually.[34] This type of policy highlights the importance of fostering local food production to meet the needs of its growing population and lessen the dependency on imported food supply.
Additionally, Oman’s Vision 2040 aims to improve domestic food production by thirty percent and ease the dependency on imported food-related goods. A significant component of this initiative is the enhancement of local production, as seen in the previous project. Furthermore, Oman is investing five million Rials in local wheat production up to 2027.[35] This resulted in the increase of this cereal cultivation area and a boost in production of almost 5,000 tons between 2022 and 2023.[36] Oman also launched the National Nutrition Strategy for 2020–2023, in the orbit of the Ministry of Health, designed to align with Oman Vision 2040 and focused on improving nutritional standards, eradicating malnutrition, and bolstering food security. Furthermore, it aligns with the Regional Nutrition Strategy set forth by the World Health Organization,[37] emphasizing commitment to the health and well-being of the population.
Similarly, Bahrain launched the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) in 2010. This policy has a variety of objectives, the main one consisting of the unification of both public and private sector efforts and investments to promote more sustainable agricultural development throughout the Kingdom.[38] The plan highlights the importance of the inclusion of different stakeholders from both public and private sectors to promote food security.
To achieve these goals, the initiative has implemented a range of programs designed to enhance agricultural training and raise awareness among farmers and agricultural professionals. These programs are intended to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve agricultural practices and increase productivity. Additionally, NIAD has developed an innovative agricultural database known as Agro BH. This centralized database serves multiple purposes: it not only consolidates essential data related to agriculture in Bahrain but also encourages investment by providing valuable information to potential investors.[39] Through these extensive initiatives, the National Initiative for Agricultural Development is significantly influencing the transformation of Bahrain’s agricultural sector. It is dedicated to ensuring that this sector is not only sustainable but also efficient and well-equipped to satisfy the demands of the country’s population. This initiative-taking approach is essential for adapting to the challenges of modern agriculture and securing food resources for the nation.
Kuwait’s Vision 2035 aims to transform the nation into a prominent financial and trade center, both globally and regionally. This policy seeks to create a more favorable business environment to attract international investors and promote economic growth. Within the framework of this initiative, a vital component is the commitment to achieve food security, enhance nutritional standards, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The plan contemplates the implementation of dry land urban agriculture and technologies that can optimize the agricultural output.[40] As demonstrated by national visions of the GCC states, the matter of food security is central for the development of the economy and the promotion of people’s well-being in the Gulf.
Within the framework of the GCC, food security is a strategic priority. The organization is increasingly institutionalizing this matter and promoting coordinated regional initiatives and policy harmonization. In September 2024, during the 36th Ministerial Meeting of the Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee, the ministers addressed the need for a joint food strategy and a draft was presented. Additionally, new regulations regarding organic inputs, exploitation, and protection of living aquatic resources, agricultural genetic resources, fertilizers, and soil enhancers were adopted to harmonize the legal framework across the region.[41] In summary, the discussions and initiatives that took place during the meeting underscore the importance of addressing food security with a multilateral, regional, and coordinated approach.
GCC states face significant challenges in the matter of food security despite being ranked among the top 50 most food-secure nations. Each country has recognized the importance of innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to mitigate these challenges. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 to Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030 and Oman’s Vision 2040, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing domestic production, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and diversifying food sources. Furthermore, the emphasis on public-private partnerships and international collaborations demonstrates a commitment to building a robust agricultural sector capable of meeting the region’s needs.
As the GCC continues to prioritize food security through coordinated regional efforts, it is poised to not only strengthen its own food systems but also serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges in the pursuit of sustainable food security.
Opportunities for cooperation with Latin America regarding food security
Latin America and the GCC states have a long-standing history of cooperation in different areas such as technology, economy and investment, energy, agriculture, education, and tourism. This section presents different opportunities for further cooperation in the areas related to food security. The analysis is centered on the three biggest economies of Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
It is necessary first to consider the importance of historical and political connections. Latin American nations have established full diplomatic relations with GCC countries, but it was not until the mid-1990s that these ties gained more substance. Currently, political relations have strengthened, with no significant issues between the two regions. The presence of permanent diplomatic missions is particularly beneficial for Brazil, which is the only nation in the region to have embassies in all six GCC countries. In contrast, Argentina and Mexico have embassies in only four of these nations: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. Notably, these same four Arab countries also maintain resident embassies in the three Latin American nations examined. Thus, it can be inferred that these Latin American countries hold a special strategic importance for the GCC.[42]
As for trade, the GCC’s main partner in Latin America is Brazil, which mainly exports agricultural products—meat and grains. Following Brazil are Mexico and Argentina with similar export portfolios.[43] Although the volume of trade exchange remains low,[44] there are opportunities to improve it if the regions can implement policies to facilitate it, such as tariff reductions or investments in logistics infrastructure.
Latin America has a privileged position to consolidate its status as a leading global supplier of fruits and vegetables. The region already functions as an agro-industrial powerhouse, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the world’s agricultural and fishery exports. Additionally, it possesses the largest agricultural land area, the highest water availability per capita—around 40 percent of the planet’s freshwater reserves are located here, and 33 percent of the world’s renewable resources.[45] These indicators illustrate that this region exhibits significant potential, positioning it among the areas with the highest prospects for development and growth.
By 2050, Latin America could supply between two and three out of five fruits and vegetables globally, based on historical production data and export performance from 2010 to 2020.[46] This projection underscores the critical role that Latin America is poised to play in the global agricultural landscape. As the region continues to leverage its abundant natural resources, favorable climatic conditions, and a robust labor force, it is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to implement strategies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Such efforts will not only bolster the region’s economic growth but also contribute to global food security, highlighting the importance of Latin America in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Equally important are the production capacity and the geopolitical advantage. A substantial portion of the region’s fruit and vegetable output is exported to strategically important geopolitical markets, including the United States, the European Union, and China.[47] For example, in 2024, the main trading partners of Argentina were Brazil, the United States, Chile, China and India.[48] Most of these countries, except for Brazil and Chile, are geographically distant from Buenos Aires and accounted for $US16.3 billion[49] of export revenue for Argentina.
In addition, Latin America is a relatively peaceful area. No major traditional wars emerged in the region in the twenty-first century that could disrupt the supply chains of food-related goods. The last traditional interstate wars were the Cenepa War in 1995 and the Malvinas War in 1982. Since then, other challenges have arisen, but no other conflicts of this nature have emerged.
These characteristics place Latin America as a reliable commercial partner. Moreover, this region has undergone significant technological advancements in agricultural practices, particularly through the adoption of precision farming, resilient crop varieties, and sustainable irrigation systems. Notably, collaborative opportunities exist between the private sector and the public sector, which hold promise in bridging gaps in technology adoption for smallholder farmers, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and fostering climate-resilient agroecosystems.
An example of this is the development of the HB4 seed in Argentina between the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET – National Scientific and Technical Research Council), the National University of Litoral, and the biotechnology firm Bioceres Crop Solutions. These soy and wheat seeds are resistant to drought conditions and have a high salinity tolerance.[50] According to CONICET, these seeds that incorporate HB4 technology enhance drought tolerance, thereby reducing production losses, improving the adaptability of plants to water stress, and offering greater predictability of yields per hectare. The enhanced drought resistance of these wheat seeds is attained through the integration of a modified gene, known as HaHB4,[51] which was originally derived from the sunflower plant, into their genetic makeup.
The usage of this type of seed was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022, thereby positioning the United States as the fourth nation to sanction its production and commercialization, following Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Furthermore, this seed variant has been authorized for both human and animal consumption in several countries, including Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, and Thailand.[52] Specifically, the soy seed variant has been approved for cultivation and consumption in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, as well as for consumption in China and South Africa. Additionally, HB4 wheat has been authorized for sowing and consumption in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and for consumption in Colombia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, and Indonesia.[53] The approval of HB4 technology across various countries underscores the acceptance and integration of biotechnology in global agricultural practices and the importance of collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors.
GCC states have been implementing vertical gardens and hydroponics as part of their efforts to enhance food security in arid environments. Technological advancements in Latin America can offer innovative solutions and improvements to support these initiatives. Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil have made significant developments in this regard.
In Argentina, innovative projects have integrated advanced hydroponic systems, automated irrigation, and climate control technologies to optimize plant growth and sustainability, even under challenging climatic conditions. An example of this is GFood, which employs high-quality, exclusive national technology, incorporating equipment that features monitoring capabilities via Wi-Fi or 4G, along with remote management functionalities.[54]
Brazil has experienced a rapid evolution from traditional greenhouse farming to the adoption of high-tech vertical farming and hydroponic systems, supported by research institutions such as Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa). These developments include automation, integrated pest management, and the use of controlled environments to overcome tropical climate challenges and urban land limitations.[55]
Additionally, Mexico has seen a surge in the adoption of hydroponic and vertical farming technologies, particularly in urban centers like Mexico City and Guadalajara. The country’s market is characterized by the use of innovative substrates, drainage systems, and the construction of large-scale hydroponic greenhouses, all aimed at improving crop yields and sustainability in response to urbanization and declining arable land.[56] These developments combined demonstrate that Latin America is not only an agricultural powerhouse, but it is also a global leader in the development of technology implemented in this area.
Furthermore, Latin America is achieving significant advancements in biotechnology. For instance, mycorrhizae adapted to arid soils and nitrogen-fixing bacteria represent key tools for sustainable agriculture in environments with water and nutrient limitations.
In Argentina, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) has developed research and formulations that promote the use of native mycorrhizae in arid soils, demonstrating that these symbiotic associations improve water and nutrient uptake[57] and increase plant tolerance to water stress, which is fundamental for crops in arid and semi-arid regions.[58]
In Brazil, Embrapa has led the development of inoculants based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as species of the genus Rhizobium and mixtures of diazotrophic bacteria, which help reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and improve the productivity of crops[59] like sugarcane and soybeans, tailoring formulations to the country’s tropical conditions. Another development from the same institution, in association with the firm Bioma, is an inoculant—a liquid biological product composed of living microorganisms capable of enhancing the absorption of phosphorus from the soil by plants.[60]
Moreover, Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT) in Mexico has advanced the application of biofertilizers that combine mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria such as Azospirillum, contributing to the sustainability of staple crops like maize by increasing nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing chemical inputs.[61] In sum, the ongoing advancements in biotechnology across Latin America are pivotal for enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions and ensuring food security in challenging climatic conditions.
Another critical aspect of the relationship between the two regions is the role played by MERCOSUR and the GCC. In 2005, a Framework Agreement for Economic Cooperation[62] was signed in Brazil, marking a significant step toward fostering economic ties and collaboration between MERCOSUR and the GCC member states. This agreement aims to enhance trade relations, promote investment opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of goods and services between the two regions.
However, despite the initial signing of the accord, it has yet to be ratified by the GCC. The potential benefits of such cooperation, including increased market access and the diversification of trade partnerships, underscore the importance of moving forward with the ratification process. Furthermore, the ratification of this agreement is crucial for promoting food security, as it would enable both regions to collaborate more effectively in agricultural production and distribution.
By combining the regional and bilateral relations and the partnership between the public and the private sector, advancements can be made to combat food insecurity not only in the GCC countries but also in other regions of the world.
Conclusion
Food security is a central matter for GCC countries as reflected in the National Visions and different economic development initiatives. In this context, Latin America has proven to be a reliable source of food-related goods, biotechnology, and agricultural developments in general. In addition, this region has a long history of being a commercial partner for extra-regional countries such as China and India while also benefiting from a relative stability characterized by the absence of interstate wars. This advantageous position further enhances Latin America’s attractiveness as a trade partner and fosters an environment conducive to economic collaboration and growth.
Domestically, developments are usually in partnership between public and private sectors, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in driving innovation and progress within the region and helping eradicate food insecurity. South-South Cooperation can be a central tool, especially for exchanges of knowledge, skills, resources, and technical know-how. Equally important is the opportunity of cooperation between the GCC and MERCOSUR, considering the Framework Agreement for Economic Cooperation. This collaboration has the potential to foster agricultural innovation, improve trade relations, and ensure a more resilient food supply chain, contributing to the stability and sustainability of both regions.
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024,” 2024, https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world/en.
[2] Lechini Gladys, «La Cooperación Sur-Sur y la búsqueda de autonomía en América Latina: ¿Mito o realidad?» Relaciones Internacionales, 2009: 55-81.
[3] Joseph Nye, “¿Qué es el Sur Global?” Project Syndicate, November 1, 2023, https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/global-south-is-a-misleading-term-by-joseph-s-nye-2023-11/spanish.
[4] Political expressions of the “Third World” would occur later like the Non-Aligned Movement and in Argentina for example the Tercera Posición.
[5] Tur Murillo Paula, «El Tercer Mundo. Génesis, sentidos y potencialidades de un concepto,» Memoria Académica. 2023. https://memoria.fahce.unlp.edu.ar/trab_eventos/ev.17132/ev.17132.pdf.
[6] Joseph Nye, “¿Qué es el Sur Global?,” Project Syndicate, November 1, 2023, https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/global-south-is-a-misleading-term-by-joseph-s-nye-2023-11/spanish.
[7] Lechini Gladys, «La Cooperación Sur-Sur y la búsqueda de autonomía en América Latina: ¿Mito o realidad?,» Relaciones Internacionales, 2009: 55-81.
[8] Darnal Aude, “¿Qué es el «Sur Global»?,” El Grand Continent, October 20, 2023, https://legrandcontinent.eu/es/2023/10/20/que-es-el-sur-global/.
[9] Bruno Ayllón Pino, “Cooperación Sur-Sur: Innovación y Transformación en la Cooperación Internacional,” Fundación Carolina, 2009, https://www.dialogosconsonantes.org/doc_reflexion/coop_sur_sur09.pdf.
[10] High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, “Framework of operational guidelines on United Nations support to South-South and Triangular Cooperation,” 2016, https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-buqyoV0jpSUC1PZ25xekFQaVk/view?resourcekey=0-hAE4KnlnqtMM8UCBHJ8P2w.
[11] Gladys, Lechini. «La Cooperación Sur-Sur y la búsqueda de autonomía en América Latina: ¿Mito o realidad?» Relaciones Internacionales, 2009: 55-81.
[12] FAO, “Food Security Policy Brief,” 2006, https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/faoitaly/documents/pdf/pdf_Food_Security_Cocept_Note.pdf.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] “Global Food Security Index,” Economist Impact, 2022, https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/food-security-index/reports/Economist_Impact_GFSI_2022_Global_Report_Sep_2022.pdf.
[17] Wael Al Mubarak, “The GCC imports 85% of its food – here’s how it is increasing food security through innovation,” World Economic Forum, February 14, 2025, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/02/gulf-food-security-innovation/.
[18] Samriddhi Vij, “Triangularising agricultural diplomacy: Building a food security corridor across GCC, South Asia, and Africa,” Observer Research Foundation Middle East, 2025, https://orfme.org/research/triangularising-agricultural-diplomacy-building-a-food-security-corridor-across-gcc-south-asia-and-africa/.
[19] Sara Nowacka, “GCC Countries, Seeking Food Security, Eye Agricultural Investments,” The Polish Institute of International Affairs, 2022, https://www.pism.pl/publications/gcc-countries-seeking-food-security-eye-agricultural-investments.
[20] Economic Commission for Western Asia, “Arab food security monitoring framework,” 2021, https://www.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/arab-food-security-country-reviews-saudi-arabia-english.pdf.
[21] Government of Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030, 2025, https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/story-of-transformation.
[22] Saudi Foodtech, “Food and Agriculture Sector in the Saudi Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024,” 2025, https://saudifoodtech.sa/food-and-agriculture-sector-in-the-saudi-vision-2030-annual-report-2024/.
[23] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, “Saudi Arabia: Food Security Strategy,” February 2024, https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/saudi-arabia-food-security-strategy-february-2024#bookmark6.
[24] Ibid.
[25] Ibid.
[26] Government of the United Arab Emirates, National Food Security Strategy 2051, 2024, https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/national-food-security-strategy-2051.
[27] Ibid.
[28] Hadi Fathallah, “Ensuring the UAE’s food security in an unstable region,” Atlantic Council, 2024, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/uae-food-security/.
[29] Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar, “Prime Minister launches the National Food Security Strategy 2030,” 2024, https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/media-centre/top-news/prime-minister-launches-the-national-food-security-strategy-2030/.
[30] Ibid.
[31] Surya Suresh. “Food Security Strategy in Qatar,” EcoMENA, 2025, https://www.ecomena.org/food-security-qatar/.
[32] Hannan Alghamdi, “Qatar’s Role in Latin America,” Gulf Research Center, 2025.
[33] Wael Al Mubarak, “The GCC imports 85% of its food – here’s how it is increasing food security through innovation.”
[34] Ibid.
[35] “HM The Sultan Chairs Council of Ministers Meeting,” Oman News Agency, 2024, https://omannews.gov.om/topics/en/102/show/113019#:~:text=The%20Council%20of%20Ministers%20commended,some%20governorates%20for%20wheat%20cultivation.
[36] “Dhofar Governorate ranks first in terms of cultivated area and wheat crop production in Oman,” Times of Oman, January 15, 2024.
[37] Mohammed Al-Kinani, “Oman launches food security projects to ensure supply, sustainability,” Arab News, December 22, 2024.
[38] Wael Al Mubarak, “The GCC imports 85% of its food – here’s how it is increasing food security through innovation.”
[39] Ibid.
[40] International Trade Administration, Kuwait Agriculture, 2021, https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/kuwait-agriculture.
[41] General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, “HE GCCSG: GCC Countries Regard Food Security as a Critical Issue that Concerns Many Nations & Regional & International Organisations, Affirms that the General Secretariat, Through its Strategic Partnerships, Places this Issue at the Top of its Priorities,” September 5, 2024, https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news2024-9-5-2.aspx.
[42] Paulo Botta, “Opportunities and Challenges in Latin America-GCC Relations,” TRENDS Research & Advisory, 2025.
[43] Nicholas Lyall, “GCC Economic Objectives in Latin America in the Shadow of the Rio G20 Summit: Complementary Investment Environment and the Role of Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds,” TRENDS Research & Advisory, 2024.
[44] Paulo Botta, “Opportunities and Challenges in Latin America-GCC Relations.”
[45] Pablo Borquez Schwarzbeck, “Por qué América Latina es vital para resolver la crisis alimentaria mundial,” World Economic Forum, 2024, https://es.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/por-que-america-latina-es-vital-para-resolver-la-crisis-alimentaria-mundial/.
[46] Ibid.
[47] Ibid.
[48] Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INDEC), Socios Comerciales, 2025, https://comex.indec.gob.ar/?_ga=2.21507260.684091225.1612471943-1036907706.1612471943#/worldMap.
[49] Ibid.
[50] Bioceres Crop Solutions, Tecnología, 2025, https://bioceressemillas.com.ar/tecnologia.
[51] Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Hito: Estados unidos aprobó el cultivo del trigo tolerante a la sequía desarrollado por especialistas del CONICET, 2024, https://www.conicet.gov.ar/hito-estados-unidos-aprobo-el-cultivo-del-trigo-tolerante-a-la-sequia-desarrollado-por-especialistas-del-conicet/.
[52] Ibid.
[53] Bioceres Crop Solutions, Tecnología, 2025.
[54] GFood, Productos innovadores, 2025, https://gfood.com.ar/#productos.
[55] Rebekka Boekhout, “Vertical farming on the rise throughout Brazil,” Vertical Farm Daily, September 23, 2021.
[56] Mordor Intelligence, “Mexico Vertical Farming Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 – 2030),” 2024, https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/mexico-vertical-farming-market-industry.
[57] Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), “Asociación natural: Hongo ayuda a la soja a resistir la sequía,” 2015, https://intainforma.inta.gob.ar/hongo-ayuda-a-la-soja-a-tolerar-la-sequia/.
[58] Valeria Faggioli, “La agricultura y las micorrizas,” Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 2023, https://repositorio.inta.gob.ar/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.12123/14014/INTA_CRCordoba_EEAMarcosJuarez_Faggioli_V_Agricultura_y_micorrizas.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
[59] Dinorah Ereno, “Abono biológico,” Revista Pesquisa FAPESP, 2008, https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/es/abono-biologico-2/.
[60] Frances Jones, “Una colaboración entre plantas y bacterias,” Revista Pesquisa FAPESP, 2019, https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/es/una-colaboracion-entre-plantas-y-bacterias/.
[61] Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT), “Aplicación de biofertilizantes al cultivo de maíz, una opción sustentable en el municipio de Villaflores,” 2017, https://www.cimmyt.org/es/noticias/aplicacion-de-biofertilizantes-al-cultivo-de-maiz-una-opcion-sustentable-en-el-municipio-de-villaflores/.
[62] Full text of the Agreement is available at: https://tratados.cancilleria.gob.ar/tratado_multi_ficha.php?id=mqai.
