The Committee on Agriculture and Environment at Qatar Chamber (QC) has held a meeting with importers of foodstuff to follow up on the flow of food imports and ensure that the local market is well-supplied with food commodities.
QC board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, who chairs the committee, met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health, General Customs Authority, Milaha - Qatar Navigation Company, Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) and members of the Logistics Support Committee, which was formed in the wake of the economic blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
The participants lauded the circular issued by the chamber on the reduction of handling fees at ports, which was released on the directives of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Al-Obaidli stressed that the committee was regularly meeting with importers of foodstuff to identify “all the requirements for the coming period” and to study issues faced by companies importing all types of food commodities, as well as to ensure that there is no shortage or interruption in the flow of foodstuff to the Qatari market.
The meeting also discussed topics such as the new handling fees, air cargo rates and challenges involved in importing fresh poultry from some countries, as well as compulsory pricing on vegetables and fruits.
Qatari businessmen and representatives of importing companies also lauded the efforts of the committee since the beginning of the blockade, and its contacts with the authorities concerned to resolve all obstacles facing the import of foodstuff. They also stressed the importance of reviewing all handling costs.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed malpractices by some traders and companies, which impeded the process of releasing goods and its movement in the market.
The participants also agreed on a proposal to take legal action against the erring companies. The committee said it has a list of erring companies, “which will be dealt with firmly”.
The participants lauded the circular issued by the chamber on the reduction of handling fees at ports, which was released on the directives of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Al-Obaidli stressed that the committee was regularly meeting with importers of foodstuff to identify “all the requirements for the coming period” and to study issues faced by companies importing all types of food commodities, as well as to ensure that there is no shortage or interruption in the flow of foodstuff to the Qatari market.
The meeting also discussed topics such as the new handling fees, air cargo rates and challenges involved in importing fresh poultry from some countries, as well as compulsory pricing on vegetables and fruits.
Qatari businessmen and representatives of importing companies also lauded the efforts of the committee since the beginning of the blockade, and its contacts with the authorities concerned to resolve all obstacles facing the import of foodstuff. They also stressed the importance of reviewing all handling costs.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed malpractices by some traders and companies, which impeded the process of releasing goods and its movement in the market.
The participants also agreed on a proposal to take legal action against the erring companies. The committee said it has a list of erring companies, “which will be dealt with firmly”.
