Spain Seeks To Boost Trade With Qatar Through Food Exports, Says Envoy

Qatar and Spain are exploring opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, expand market access and deepen commercial ties, with Spanish food products offering significant potential in the Qatari market, Spanish Ambassador to Qatar HE Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the ‘Festival of Spain 2026’ at LuLu Hypermarket, the ambassador said both countries were working to strengthen their economic and commercial relations despite challenges and disruptions caused by the ongoing regional conflict.

He said the two sides were assessing the impact of the conflict on bilateral trade volumes while exploring ways to maintain momentum in commercial relations. He did not provide figures for bilateral trade during the first nine months of 2026.

Highlighting opportunities to expand Spanish exports to Qatar, Renedo Zalba said one of his priorities since arriving in the country had been to increase the presence of Spanish products in local supermarkets, restaurants and supply chains.

He said there was considerable scope to introduce more high-quality Spanish products to the Qatari market, particularly in the food sector, where Spain’s diverse offerings and established culinary traditions could appeal to local consumers.

“Spain is the world’s leading producer of olive oil, a product that lies at the heart of our gastronomy,” he said, highlighting the quality and variety of Spanish food products.

He also cited that olive oil and traditional Spanish sweets such as turron as examples of products that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage and historical connections with Arab food traditions.

The ambassador commended LuLu Hypermarket for its role in bringing international products to Qatar, saying the retailer’s extensive network offered an important platform for introducing Spanish products to local consumers.

The Festival of Spain 2026, which runs until October 14 across LuLu outlets in Qatar, features Spanish products, live cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions, providing consumers with an opportunity to discover the country’s food offerings.

Renedo Zalba said initiatives such as the festival could help businesses expand the market presence of Spanish products while creating new opportunities for commercial engagement between the two countries.

Beyond food trade, the ambassador identified energy, services, education, sports and infrastructure as important areas of Qatar-Spain economic cooperation, adding that both countries were seeking to further strengthen their commercial relations.

He said the festival demonstrated how partnerships between businesses could support trade promotion, improve consumer awareness of international products and create closer links between producers and retail markets.

The ambassador expressed appreciation for LuLu’s continued partnership in promoting Spanish products in Qatar, noting that such initiatives could contribute to expanding bilateral commercial ties and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.