A delegation from the Institute of National Planning led by Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, President of INP, with Dr. Mariam Raouf, Head of the Modeling Unit at INP, and Dr. Fadi Abdel Radi, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at INP, made a scientific visit to the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier, that is affiliated to the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agricultural Studies, CIHEAM-IAM Montpellier, France, during March 15-21. Discussions focused on enhancing areas of potential collaboration between INP and CIHEAM-IAM Montpellier. Prospects of potential collaboration include fostering mutual scientific relations, especially in the areas of economic modelling, conducting joint research projects as well as elaborating possible joint master degrees in post graduate studies. Al-Araby added that the main goal of this visit is to enhance the scientific knowledge exchange and expanding connections with correspondent scientific international institutes. During the visit, discussions also focused on how research could tackle critical challenges such as food security and nexus between the environment, food and water sectors in the Mediterranean countries. Potential collaboration includes also organizing joint workshops, conferences and training courses. It is worth noting that the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agricultural Studies (CIHEAM), was established in 1962, as a Mediterranean governmental organization consisting of 13 member countries, namely Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. CIHEAM’s work focuses on four core challenges: protecting the planet, food security, inclusive development, and resilience to crises.
