Doha: Al Hajri explained that the Qatari private sector is a key pillar in supporting the state's efforts to achieve the goals of the National Food Security Strategy. It plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development by providing the necessary investments to develop the food security system and increase production in various sectors such as agriculture, the food industry, and food security-related technologies.
According to Qatar News Agency, the private sector is characterized by its flexibility and capacity for innovation, enabling it to adopt modern solutions and advanced technologies that help promote sustainability and address challenges associated with food security. Furthermore, enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors is also a key pillar emphasized by the National Food Security Strategy 2030. This cooperation aims to ensure the successful implementation of planned initiatives and activities, particularly in the areas of increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, enhancing the strategic stock of food commodities, and improving supply chains.
He indicated the role of the private sector is highlighted through close integration and cooperation with the public sector to achieve the goals of the three pillars of the Food Security Strategy regarding local production and market demand, strategic reserves and warning systems, and international trade and investment. Speaking on the private sector's contributions, Al Hajri added that it effectively supports the raising of self-sufficiency rates for basic commodities through the implementation of various projects, such as greenhouse projects for growing vegetables, and sheep and goat fattening projects that increase self-sufficiency in red meat, in addition to fish farming projects that maintain sustainable levels of fish stocks and ensure sufficient supplies for local consumption.
The private sector also participates actively in strategic food stock projects by managing storage and recycling operations, ensuring the preservation of stock quality and its availability in times of need. For his part, Qatar Chamber (QC) Board Member and Chairman of QC's Food Security and Environment Committee, Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, said in a statement to QNA that the State of Qatar has achieved advanced and tangible steps in enhancing food security by adopting a clear strategy and strengthening effective partnerships between the public and private sectors in this vital sector.
He pointed out that Qatar's global standing, thanks to the wise vision of its wise leadership, its active role in international mediation, and its prominent position on the global gas production map, has strengthened its international relations and strategic partnerships with all countries around the world, positively impacting this vital sector. Al Obaidli noted that the country has accumulated extensive experience during its journey towards self-sufficiency in a number of basic products, such as meat and vegetables, in addition to significant developments in agricultural technology, livestock production projects, and food processing.
He stressed the vital role played by the local private sector in enhancing food security and achieving self-sufficiency, especially during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that the country's strategic reserve depends on increasing local production, which Qatar has succeeded in achieving in partnership with the private sector, developing supply chains, and strengthening trade relations with friendly countries, resulting in providing all the elements of food security for the entire population.
He also noted that the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal step toward strengthening food security, reflecting the wise leadership's vision for achieving sustainable development across all economic sectors in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. He pointed out that QC is encouraging the Qatari private sector to engage in food security projects by providing specialized information and studies, and encouraging the establishment of joint ventures with leading international companies in the fields of storage, transportation, and other sectors. The Chamber has received trade delegations from several countries, with the aim of bringing together Qatari companies operating in the food security sector with their counterparts from these investment destinations.
QC Board Member underscored that the Food Security and Environment Committee organizes meetings between investors, business owners, and relevant authorities to study the problems and obstacles facing the food security and environment sector and work to find appropriate solutions. The Committee has also presented a number of initiatives and proposals to support farm owners and increase the competitiveness of local products. In turn, Businessman Ali Al Khalaf, emphasized the importance of the private sector's role and the integration of its efforts with the public sector in achieving Qatar's food security goals. He reaffirmed the role played by the private sector in serving Qatar's food security goals under the supervision of relevant government agencies, whether at the level of importing consumer goods or at the level of local agricultural production.
He explained that there are regulatory procedures and cooperation between relevant government agencies and various private sector companies, each according to its specialization in the field of trade, in order to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors and support the strategic stock system for food, consumer, and supply goods. Al Khalaf added that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, for example, is responsible for supervising and managing the strategic stock and monitoring its adequacy among strategic suppliers and registered traders, thus, it has a direct relationship with the various private sector companies that import, store, and distribute in the local market.