Dr Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo, participated in the “Egypt-PRIMA Initiative: From Concept to Project Planning Collaboration” organised by CIHEAM Bari, PRIMA Foundation and the Italian Embassy in Egypt. This meeting aimed to lead the design of cooperation projects that target thematic areas like digitalisation, precision agriculture, aquaponics, and efficient water use. The meeting also promoted economic opportunities and fostered collaboration between research institutions, businesses, and local authorities.
The event started with some opening remarks with a video message by the Ambassador of Italy to Egypt, H.E. Michele Quaroni, who highlighted that the Italian Egyptian collaboration aims to intensify the mutual partnerships and develop strategies to strengthen Egypt`s agricultural sector. Then, Ing. Aldo Covello, Ministry of University and Research, wished the initiative success and explained that it offers a great opportunity for a bilateral approach. Afterwards, Shaima Abdelhak represented the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, highlighting the long-standing cooperation between Egypt and Italy in all fields. Heba Gaber has represented the EU Delegation to Egypt and expressed that the Italian-Egyptian cooperation is aligned with the EU priorities and Horizon Europe.
In the second part of the meeting, a presentation about “Italy-Egypt Cooperation in Agrifood Research and Innovation: Setting the Scene for the Egypt PRIMA Initiative was given by Dr Biagio di Terlizzi, deputy director CIHEAM Bari together with Professor Angelo Riccaboni and Professor Mohamed Elshinawi, Chair and Co-chair of the PRIMA Foundation. The floor then was opened for a discussion moderated by Dr Roula Khadra, Scientific Coordinator at CIHEAM Bari, entitled: “ The way forward: open discussion on priorities, actions, funding, synergies with business actors.
