Qatar-Turkey farming ties grow

The relations between Qatar and Turkey are exemplary model of bilateral, excellent and strong co-operation ties in all fields, including agriculture. The two countries share also a common vision on all issues in the region, which represent the main reason behind the rapid and deep development of relations in recent years.
The Turkish government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar to strengthen co-operation in the agricultural and livestock sectors, which includes several clauses that are in the interest of the two countries.
The MoU covers the exchange of technical expertise and the results of scientific research in these sectors as well as holding seminars, conferences and meetings dealing with ways of developing the two sectors.
Turkey’s ratification of this agreement comes just days after the issuance of a document of ratification by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on the approval of a draft MoU signed in the Turkish city of  Trabzon on 18/12/2005.
The second meeting of the Turkish-Qatari Higher Strategic Committee led by His Highness the Emir and the Turkish president was held in 2016.
The inauguration of the Turkish-Qatari Higher Strategic Committee in 2014 and the holding of its first meeting in Doha in December 2015 under the chairmanship of His Highness the Emir and the Turkish president have contributed to reaching greater horizons at all levels through 22 agreements in all areas of co-operation (political, security, Industry and energy, banks, education and universities).
This co-operation was further strengthened by the committee’s second meeting in Trabzon in December 2016, which witnessed the signing of several MoUs in various fields that contribute to pushing bilateral relations between the two countries to higher levels that meet the aspirations of the two peoples.
The MoU on co-operation in agriculture also includes the promotion of investment co-operation between private enterprises and companies in agricultural marketing and co-operation in joint projects in irrigation, plant protection and the establishment of veterinary laboratories along with the establishment of a joint agricultural steering committee to monitor and evaluate co-operation.
Meetings are held periodically in both countries.
This agreement affirms that the relations between Qatar and Turkey are not only diplomatic ties or military alliances, but include also economic partnership and strategic co-operation, which made them among the most distinguished Turkey’s relations in the Arab world.
In the framework of the same agreement, Doha hosted on May 29, 2017 the first meeting of the steering committee between the Ministry of Municipality and the Environment and the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock within the framework of an MoU signed between the two parties to strengthen and co-operation in agriculture and livestock.
The committee discussed a number of topics, including the development of technical co-operation in several fields, such as plant production, animal and plant health, fish farming, food processing, exchange of expertise, technical visits and capacity building.
The two sides also agreed on activating co-operation in the exchange of information, conferences and meetings and agricultural marketing along with joint ventures in plant production, phytosanitary and other relating areas.
The Turkish delegation visited a number of farms in Qatar, where they were briefed on the reality of the agricultural sector, the country’s experiences and the existing projects in plant and animal production and food security.
Qatar and Turkey have been investing in agricultural sector of for years.
Their agricultural co-operation dates back to February 2010, when an agreement to establish a council for agricultural co-operation between the two countries was signed.
Qatar is one of the first Gulf countries to enter the Turkish market with aim to invest in the agricultural sector, especially after the global economic crisis in 2009.
Qatari agricultural investment in Turkey aimed at ensuring strategic food reserves in order to achieve food security for the Qatari people and to achieve self-sufficiency in the imported products at best prices.
Qatar has succeeded in diversifying its foreign investments and continuing to improve its agricultural lands through best practices and global technologies.
The joint Turkish-Qatari visions have enhanced investment opportunities as the agricultural field received considerable attention.
Qatar and businessmen focused on the production of food crops and cereals such as wheat, maize, rice, soybeans and other food baskets.
This led to an unprecedented growth in Turkish-Qatari co-operation in this sector.
Qatari investments were also diversified to include green pastures for livestock breeding with a view to exporting them to Doha later.
Qatar and Turkey relations got further boost as Qatar Chamber unveiled that it would send a trade delegation to Izmir and Istanbul for a four-day business trip today.
This would enhance trade co-operation between them and explore investment opportunities available in both countries as well as discuss establishing economic blocs among Qatari and Turkish businessmen and companies.
The delegation will include 100 businessmen representing various economic sectors and looking for implementing enterprises and partnerships with their Turkish counterparts.
Indeed, Turkey has become one of the most attractive markets for Qatari investors, with Qatari investments surpassing the $1bn mark, and Qatari investments in Turkey are second in size, exceeding $20bn, which is expected to jump to first place within a few years.
Qatari investments are mainly in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, real estate and banks.
Turkish exports to Qatar rose 51.5% in June compared to the previous month to reach $53.5mn.
Food, fruits, vegetables, livestock production and water topped the list of Turkish exports to Qatar.