Secretary, Arab Federation for Food Industries; Saleh Kamel, Chairman of JCCI, and Monther Al-Harthi, Chairman of Arab Beverages Association. By Fatima Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The beverages sector in the Arab states is now witnessing a growth of 12 to 15 percent due to the rapid increase of population in the region, customer demand for fresh milk and juice, as well as the advanced packing systems, Monther Al-Harthi, Chairman of Arab Beverages Association told the Saudi Gazette. He added that they find difficulty convincing Arab beverages companies to register their names with them. "So far we have 17 registered companies, but we are hoping for increasing awareness about our association after registering its name with the Arab League." Speaking at the third Arab Beverages Conference exhibition held Saturday, Al-Harthi said: "No one can ignore the current position of the beverage industry in the Arab economies and its role to fit the needs of consumers in the Arab world. This industry provides job opportunities and is linked to packaging, agricultural and glass sectors. Our priority is to protect this industry, boost investments from within and outside the Arab world, in addition to cooperating with the beverage research centers for the development of alternative materials." On the sidelines of the event, Falah Jabr General-Secretary for Arab Federation for Food Industries, speaking to the Saudi Gazette, highlighted the relation between water and agriculture. He said the Arab region has 360 billion square meters of water, 90 percent of which goes to agriculture sector. He called for new systems to reduce the water consumption in the agricultural sector amid shortage, and called for building new dams. Jabr cited that one Arab country had witnessed 162,000 deaths because of unclean water, and called for in-depth studies to find solutions to water shortage in the region. He also criticized some conferences which he said would specify some recommendations but will not implement them. Jabr pointed out that an Arab League initiative in 1980, which had a budget of $1 million for projects that should be launched in the region did not succeed in starting any project till now. The beverage conference aims to discuss the obstacles faced by the regional companies working in this field and explore opportunities in the light of latest developments and technologies. Dr. Haitham Jaffan, President of Arab Federation for Food Industries, said: "The Arab Beverages Conference & Exhibition (ABCE - 2012) is an important annual event that we co-organize with our partners Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Arab Beverages Association. All of us are keen to contribute to food industries to ensure safety and health of consumers." The event is under the patronage of Prince Mishal Bin Majed, Jeddah Governor, at Jeddah Hilton with the attendance of Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commence and Industry (JCCI). __
