QC Calls for Stronger EU Ties To Advance Food Security

Qatar Chamber (QC) participated in the EU-Qatar Dialogue on Safe and Resilient Food Trade, which was held at W Doha Hotel in person and via video conference.

Qatar Chamber was represented by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, board member and chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee.

The opening session of the dialogue was attended by Dr Cristian Tudor, ambassador of the European Union to Qatar.

Discussions at the EU-Qatar Dialogue included the support of a stable access for European food and agricultural exports to markets, alignment with international standards for sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and enhancing regulatory transparency in import procedures.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly spoke during the first panel discussion, which focused on food security in Qatar and safe food trade between Qatar and the European Union. The session also featured Jose Iraldi, chief strategy Officer at Hassad Food.

Al Obaidly affirmed that Qatar’s experience in food security is no longer limited to theoretical plans or studies, but has become a practical experience shaped by the country’s response to various crisis. He noted that Qatar now has clear expertise in identifying its needs and building effective partnerships with international stakeholders, particularly the European Union.

He explained that Qatar does not want to be viewed only as a consumer market, but rather as a reliable partner capable of building an integrated ecosystem with international partners based on mutual benefit and the exchange of expertise.

 He also pointed out that Qatar Chamber plays an important role in strengthening communication with trade and investment delegations from around the world, receiving hundreds of official and business delegations annually in search of cooperation and investment opportunities.

Al Obaidly affirmed that the goal is to make Qatar a hub for food security and technology. He highlighted the importance of building genuine partnerships between Qatar and the European Union based on a win-win approach, explaining that Europe needs energy, while Qatar needs technology, research and development, and advanced expertise, particularly in agriculture, supply chains, food safety, and modern technologies.

He also called for benefiting from successful international models, such as the Netherlands’ experience in agribusiness, where a strong system has been built on strategic partnerships, exports, and innovation. He stressed that Qatar seeks to develop a similar model in cooperation with its European partners, so that it becomes an active partner rather than merely an end user.

Regarding the daily challenges facing the food trade sector, Al Obaidly emphasised the importance of digital transformation and the use of technology and artificial intelligence to facilitate procedures, reduce time, and improve operational efficiency. He noted that systems may appear ideal when presented theoretically, but practical implementation reveals the real challenges facing producers, importers, logistics companies, and other related stakeholders.

Al Obaidly also referred to Qatar’s experience was a direct result of the strong partnership between the public and private sectors. He said that rapid cooperation between both sides helped unify efforts, secure supply sources, develop logistics capabilities, and ensure the continued availability of essential goods.

He added that Qatar has become one of the leading countries globally in terms of practical experience in food security, stressing that food security is not limited to ensuring supply, but also includes resilience, sustainability, and the ability to deal with crises.

On the lessons learned from regional and international crisis, Al Obaidly explained that Qatar Chamber has participated in emergency discussions over the past years focusing on food security, water security, and essential needs. He noted that Qatar has developed its strategic reserves and tested multiple supply routes by land, sea, and air, including alternative routes through different countries, to ensure readiness during emergencies.

Al Obaidly said that Qatar’s experience was not theoretical, but was tested practically, particularly in relation to cold chains and logistics inside and outside the country. He added that Qatar currently has a surplus in some products compared with its needs, which encourages thinking about exports rather than imports only.

Al Obaidly also pointed to the importance of balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including local producers, distributors, importers, and retailers. He highlighted that each party views food security from a different perspective, and that the government has an important role in creating the right equation to ensure the sustainability of the system and prevent harm to any party.

He emphasised that the private sector and the governmental sector cooperation is necessary for food security. He also explained that the food security strategy should distinguish between essential goods that require monitoring and control, and non-essential or luxury goods that can be left to the open market.