Panel briefs investors on food security projects

Panel briefs investors on food security projectsThe technical committee tasked with engaging the private sector in food security projects yesterday briefed investors on the plots of land assigned for such ventures in the Umm Ghuwailina area as well as on the support extended by the government to ensure their success. A total of 88 investors participating in a tender for franchise to implement the food projects took part in a field visit organised by the committee, a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce said. It said the field visit came as part of the “economy and environment ministries’ keenness to realise the principle of transparency as well as to highlight their support to the private sector and its role in food security”. The statement said the committee introduced the visitors to the “nature of the land and the quality of water used in agriculture. The investors expressed willingness to contribute to the committee’s efforts aimed to increase green fodder production and  self-sufficiency, added the statement. The investors praised the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s support to the private sector to invest in this field.Ban on chicken imports over bird flu concernThe Government Communication Centre in the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has said Qatar is the first Gulf state to prohibit the import of chicken, eggs and related products from the UK, Netherlands and Germany following reports by the World Organisation for Animal Health on bird flu cases in those countries, local Arabic daily Al Arab has reported.The centre pointed out that the SCH issued Circular No 32 (dated November 20, 2014) to all inspectors at ports to prevent the entry of chicken and related products from the three countries, the daily notes.The SCH notified all importers about the decision and formed a  team to follow up on this issue and related developments. Accordingly, the team informed the council about bird flu risks in Japan and Canada and the SCH issued another circular preventing the import of chicken and related products that were not thermally processed from these countries, according to the report.Regarding reports on bird flu cases in Hong Kong, the SCH has clarified that chicken imports from China are already prevented, the daily adds.