RIYADH — Topian, the NEOM Food Company dedicated to bolstering food systems for the future, marked the opening day of the Saudi International Marine Exhibition & Conference (SIMEC) by announcing three strategic partnership agreements aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia's global leadership in sustainable aquaculture.

Topian secured a pivotal agreement with The National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP), focusing on research, technological advancements, sustainable aquaculture practices in the Red Sea, and the establishment of a national seafood market.

In a demonstration of their commitment to a sustainable and innovative future, Topian also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pure Salmon, a global leader headquartered in Abu Dhabi, renowned for their land-based aquaculture facilities featuring Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) technology. This partnership will lead to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility at NEOM that will encompass the entire salmon production process. This pioneering facility, the first of its kind in the region, will address the high demand for salmon in the Kingdom and neighboring countries, providing locally sourced products known for their freshness, quality, and flavor.

Furthermore, Topian entered into an agreement with the National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA), with the goal of fostering the development of the local aquaculture sector and expanding the commercialization of NAQUA’s seafood products across the Saudi market.

Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, CEO of the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program and Director General of Fisheries at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, emphasized that this agreement will advance the livestock and fisheries sector in four crucial areas. These areas include research, technological development, innovation to promote the growth of a sustainable aquaculture sector, collaborative procedures to establish best practices and standards suitable for the unique aquaculture ecosystem of the Red Sea, creating a scientific regulatory framework for licensing and monitoring activities, enhancing the local seafood market, increasing the consumption of locally produced items, and implementing innovative genetic techniques to improve camel breeding practices.

Stephane Farouze, Chairman and Founder of Pure Salmon, expressed his enthusiasm about the strategic collaboration with Topian, the NEOM Food Company, to revolutionize the aquaculture industry. He highlighted their shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and food security, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030. Farouze anticipates positive change and the delivery of high-quality protein solutions in the Kingdom and beyond through this partnership.

Diego Illingworth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA), welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding with Topian, emphasizing the collaborative effort to explore new opportunities in aquaculture. The partnership aims to improve production methods and business strategies, focusing on efficiency and sustainability, with the potential to yield beneficial outcomes in terms of innovation and market reach. Illingworth expressed optimism about the collaboration's positive impact on the aquaculture sector in Saudi Arabia.

Topian's mission is to advance sustainable aquaculture in the Kingdom by harnessing cutting-edge technologies. A thriving aquaculture sector will enhance food security and self-sufficiency by sustainably producing fresh and healthy seafood in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Recently, Topian became a member of the Saudi Agrifood Tech Alliance, a national initiative led by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, aimed at uniting and mobilizing key stakeholders in the food and agriculture sectors to accelerate the adoption of innovative AgriFood technologies nationwide.

These partnerships underscore Topian's unwavering commitment to ensuring food security, boosting local fish production, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with fish imports. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a specific focus on the Life Below Water and Climate Action objectives, Topian continues to revolutionize the food system and contribute to the Kingdom's socio-economic and environmental goals. — SG