‘Qatar Well Positioned To Expand Global Food Security Investments’

Qatar’s extensive experience in global investments, particularly in food security and agricultural markets, provides the country with a significant strategic advantage in expanding its footprint in international food investments, according to an expert from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of an event organised in partnership with the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) in Doha, Abdullah Zeini Jefri, IFC’s Division Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, highlighted Qatar’s longstanding engagement in international markets and its expertise in food security-related investments.

“Qatar has built substantial experience in investing in American markets and globally, particularly in areas related to food security. 

This expertise, combined with the country’s strong relationships with global industry players, gives Qatar a unique advantage and allows it to move ahead of many other investors,” he said.

Discussing potential investment opportunities, the expert emphasised that the focus should not be limited to a single agricultural commodity. Instead, the objective is to diversify food sources, geographic exposure, and supply chains that contribute to Qatar’s long-term food security.

“Our report identifies opportunities to diversify the sources of food available to Qatar by broadening both geographic reach and supply-chain networks. The goal is to strengthen resilience across all key commodities that contribute to the country’s food security,” he explained.

​The report outlines eight policy recommendations aimed at unlocking greater private-sector participation in food security investments. It also identifies nine strategic pairings involving destinations, technologies, and commodities that could support Qatar’s development goals.

According to the IFC expert, these recommendations are designed to achieve three key objectives: supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, helping Qatari businesses identify commercially viable investment opportunities, and strengthening the country’s long-term food security resilience.

Among the examples highlighted during the presentation were investment opportunities in rice production in Pakistan, wheat cultivation in Kazakhstan, poultry production in Malawi, and beef production in Namibia. The report also identifies technology-driven opportunities, including recirculating agricultural systems in Tunisia and digitally enhanced smart agriculture solutions in South Africa.

“These pairings create attractive opportunities that can generate commercial returns while contributing to Qatar’s food security objectives,” he noted.