Leading experts on Wednesday emphasized global trade liberalization to ensure food security, sustainability and productivity improvements across countries, including Bangladesh.
They also said that expanding trade relations between food-supplying and importing countries were a must to achieve "zero hunger" - a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The experts, including economists, business leaders, global food suppliers, academics and researchers, gathered at the 'CRUSHCON' and 'HungerCon' conferences held in Dubai on Wednesday.
The event was organized by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
Acknowledging the inherent trade-offs between supplier and importing countries, the experts called for cooperation in an era of globalization.
Kevin Roepke, regional director of USSEC, pointed out that Bangladeshis spend around 50% of their income on food.
But they need to consume quality food, including protein, in their daily meals, he also said.
Roepke said Bangladesh's poultry, fisheries and livestock sectors have made significant progress over the years. Now the focus should be shifted towards prioritizing quality food consumption.
Prof Jack Bobo of the University of Nottingham, UK, said global food production needs to be boosted by 50% over the next 30 years to keep pace with population growth.
Admitting the evolving nature of globalization, the experts reaffirmed the critical role of trade liberalization in ensuring a sustainable global food supply chain.
They also advocated for prioritizing quality food production and protein intake in regions like South Asia and Africa.
Stan Born, chairman of USSEC, said maintaining global relations for food security is important.
Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, underscored how a smooth global food supply chain will boost productivity and contribute to achieving sustainability across countries.
Marshall Essig, CFA of Cobank Singapore, said the fluctuation in US dollar rates and rising interest rates have impacted the global supply chain. Global leaders need to overcome these obstacles for a smooth food supply across regions.
Business leaders, food security experts, economists, researchers and major food and corn suppliers from the USA, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE participated in the two-day conference.