Member states of the International Dates Council gathered in Muscat today for the sixth session of the Council of Members, hosted by Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

Saudi Arabia retained the presidency as a new Executive Board was elected, with Oman representing the Gulf states and Yemen, Jordan the Near East and Libya North Africa. The council thanked the outgoing board of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Tunisia and Palestine, welcomed Morocco and Libya as new members, adopted a formula for members' financial contributions and extended the specialised committees for one more term.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, who chairs the Council of Members, said the global dates sector has grown over the past five years, with exports up by about 6%. Member states account for about 60% of world production, around 6 million tons a year, giving the council a strategic opportunity to meet rising demand. He called for moving from planning to delivering strategic initiatives, as the sector shifts from raising output to maximising value and competitiveness.

He said the strategic plan adopted at an extraordinary meeting in the first quarter of this year gives the council a clear framework for its priorities.

Speaking by video link, the council's Executive Director, Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz, said the council aims to be a trusted international reference for knowledge and standards, with members' needs guiding its projects.

Oman's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al-Habsi, highlighted the sector's role in food security and economic development and urged stronger value chains and greater private sector involvement.