QC Strengthens Measures To Safeguard Food Security

The Food Security and Environment Committee of Qatar Chamber convened a high-level meeting on Monday, under the chairmanship of Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Obaidli, QC Board Member and Chairman of the Committee. 

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Airways, and the General Authority of Customs, alongside a number of business owners and representatives of leading food companies.

The meeting focused extensively on the challenges currently facing the private sector amid ongoing regional developments.

 Participants reviewed a range of proposals and practical solutions aimed at facilitating trade movement and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods and essential products into the country. Discussions underscored the importance of maintaining supply chain resilience while addressing logistical bottlenecks and operational constraints.

A key component of the agenda involved assessing the measures undertaken by public sector entities to mitigate the impact of the evolving situation. Attendees examined the effectiveness of these measures and their direct implications for private sector operations. 

Particular emphasis was placed on tackling import-related challenges, rising commodity prices, and increasing shipping and operational costs. The committee also explored strategies to enhance the sustainability of local production and ensure the consistent availability of essential goods under current conditions.

In addition, the meeting highlighted the critical role of GCC chambers in accelerating the movement of goods and services across member states. Strengthening regional cooperation was identified as a vital mechanism to support trade continuity and mitigate disruptions.

In his remarks, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Obaidli commended the responsiveness and proactive engagement of public sector entities in addressing private sector concerns. He noted that the Chamber has received multiple observations from businesses regarding transportation, logistics, and storage challenges. Al-Obaidli also reviewed several priority areas, including the implementation of emergency plans, the development of joint data on strategic storage, and the concept of shared procurement to optimise resource utilisation.

He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to representing private sector perspectives before the Federation of GCC Chambers, with the objective of engaging relevant authorities to expedite procedures that facilitate trade movement to and from Qatar. Emphasising the pivotal role of the private sector during the current crisis, Al-Obaidli stressed its readiness to work closely with government entities to address emerging challenges and their repercussions. He further revealed that the Chamber is preparing to launch a series of initiatives in collaboration with government agencies aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing coordination between public and private stakeholders.

From the public sector side, Hamad Al Marri, Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department at the Ministry of Transport, highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with transport and logistics companies to identify sector-specific challenges. He noted that several facilitative measures have already been implemented, including allowing empty Qatari trucks to enter neighbouring countries, and praised the cooperative steps taken by GCC nations to ease truck movement across borders.

Meanwhile, Yousef Al Hammadi, Director of the Land Customs Department at the General Authority of Customs, outlined the Authority’s coordination efforts with GCC customs bodies to ensure the smooth flow of commercial shipments through various ports. He emphasised that these efforts are aimed at meeting local market demands efficiently despite regional pressures. 

Al Hammadi further revealed that the Authority has introduced flexible and proactive measures to maintain supply chain continuity, including a temporary circular permitting the use of copies of official documents for customs declarations until original documents are submitted, thereby expediting clearanceprocedures.

For his part, Ali Al-Yafei from the Department of Specific Licensing and Market Control at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the availability of goods in local markets and facilitating their distribution across multiple channels.

 He elaborated on the mechanisms for registering goods through the goods and services registration system, which supports monitoring and regulatory oversight.

Al-Yafei also highlighted the Ministry’s collaborative efforts with the private sector in its capacity as a member of the national committee overseeing food security policy implementation. In coordination with the Civil Defense Council, the Ministry has been identifying alternative supply routes on a monthly basis to ensure preparedness and operational flexibility.

 He added that since the early stages of the current crisis, the Ministry has conducted several key meetings with logistics providers across land, sea, and air transport, as well as with major suppliers and leading manufacturers, to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure market stability.

Overall, the meeting reflected a strong alignment between public and private sector stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding Qatar’s food security, enhancing logistical efficiency, and ensuring the continued flow of essential goods in the face of regional challenges.