Qatar Chamber has underscored the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing the country’s food security, noting that co-ordinated efforts have strengthened resilience across production, supply chains, and strategic reserves.
“Over the past year, the State of Qatar has made significant strides in strengthening its food security driven by a clear vision and well-defined policies, and supported by a strong public-private partnership, of which Qatar Chamber has played a pivotal role,” Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Saeed bu Sherbak al-Mansouri stated in the latest edition of Al Moltaqa Magazine. He emphasised that this progress is reflected in an integrated system that enhances local production, diversifies import sources, builds reserves, and invests in advanced agricultural technologies.
Al-Mansouri explained that empowering the private sector and addressing investor challenges remain central to sustaining growth in this vital field. “To support these efforts, the Chamber continues to empower the private sector and encourage investment in this vital field, while strengthening co-ordination with government entities by addressing investor challenges and working to resolve them, thereby fostering a business environment that supports growth and sustainability,” he said.
He noted that the chamber’s Food Security and Environment Committee holds regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and support initiatives that enhance competitiveness.
“These joint efforts have contributed to higher levels of self-sufficiency in several basic products, with the private sector playing a key role through investments in greenhouses, livestock, and fish farming, as well as the adoption of modern agricultural technologies that improve productivity and resource efficiency,” he pointed out.
Al-Mansouri further stated that the chamber has demonstrated agility in responding to regional challenges by ensuring the continued flow of food commodities to the local market.
“It has strengthened coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate logistics and provide alternative transport solutions, including expanding the use of the International Land Transport System (TIR), helping to mitigate the impact of regional disruptions,” he said.
The chamber has also enhanced communication with suppliers and traders to monitor challenges and provide timely recommendations, contributing to market stability, as well as the balance of supply and demand, al-Mansouri stated.
Moreover, the chamber has supported the strategic stockpile system by strengthening private sector participation in storage and management, ensuring the availability and quality of essential goods.
Al-Mansouri stated that the chamber has expanded its international network by attracting specialised global companies and organising forums that connect local investors with international counterparts, opening new avenues for co-operation and technology transfer. Earlier, Qatar Chamber board member Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli presided over a meeting led by the chamber’s Food Security and Environment Committee to discuss the challenges facing the country’s private sector during the current regional developments.
Al-Obaidli, who is also committee chairman, reviewed key proposals and solutions on the movement of trade, ensuring the flow of goods and products into the country.
The meeting discussed the measures taken by the public sector to address the current situation, their effectiveness and impact on the private sector, as well as mechanisms to tackle import-related challenges, rising prices, and increased shipping and operational costs.
It also included ways to enhance the sustainability of local production and ensure the availability of essential goods under these circumstances, in addition to the role of GCC chambers in accelerating the flow of goods and services across GCC countries.
