Agricultural Technology (agritech) in Qatar is thriving at an annual growth rate of more than 6% annually, Qatar’s commercial attaché to the US, Fahad al-Dosari, said during a virtual forum held recently.
“Prior to 2017, Qatar met 90% of its food needs through imports, but through the implementation of a well-co-ordinated strategy, the country has transformed into one of the most food-secure nations globally,” said al-Dosari during the event titled ‘Qatar in Focus: Building Smart & Resilient Food Systems’.
“More work remains to be done, though, and technology will be critical to achieving our goals. This creates numerous opportunities for agritech businesses. Qatar recognises the strengths of agritech companies in the US – our most important global economic partner – and welcomes their partnership in fully-realising our ambitious vision for the sector,” al-Dosari said.
The event, which was hosted by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC; the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), and Silicon Valley Forum, provided US companies with an overview on how Qatar is driving towards a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food system, how agricultural technologies will play a role in achieving this vision, and what opportunities exist for US agritech investors.
According to Global Security Index, Qatar is ranked first in the Mena region and 13th globally for food security. To further enhance Qatar’s food security, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) is currently developing 34 projects, with an additional 32 projects in the future.
During the event, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) executive director of Business Finance Khalid Abdulla al-Mana said QDB is committed to the growth of Qatar’s food security and fostering the development of the agricultural sector.
“We constantly work alongside partner institutions to further develop a business-friendly ecosystem for both international investors and SMEs alike to support Qatar’s ambition to become a fully food-secure nation,” al-Mana said.
Hassad Food executive director of Business Relations Mubarak al-Sahuti said, “It is our pleasure to be part of the virtual event on agritech investment opportunities in Qatar, and we look forward to collaborating with US agritech investors to find new prospects where we could support Qatar’s food security efforts.”
Over the years, Hassad invested in key strategic establishments, such as Sunrise Food International, the world’s largest supplier of organic grains and oilseeds; Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) in Australia; and investments in poultry and fishery sectors in Oman. Moreover, Hassad owns various strategic local investments in Qatar which are operated by the company’s subsidiaries.
Silicon Valley Forum director of International Relations Nick Sramek said Qatar’s rapid economic development, coupled with an ambitious plan for food security, as well as an extremely business friendly environment, “has created plentiful opportunities for US agritech investors.”
Silicon Valley is one the premiere tech-hubs globally, and Qatar is developing a similar culture of innovation across many sectors. Some of the most promising investment opportunities in Qatar are in the deployment of advanced technologies in agriculture including crop production hydroponic greenhouses, vertical farming, and irrigation systems.
USQBC managing director Mohamed Barakat added: “Over the past few years, Qatar has made tremendous strides to ensure its food security. Through the raft of projects coming online now and the near future, we forecast many opportunities for US agritech investors to not only help the country develop domestic production, but also become a net food exporter, as well.”
“More work remains to be done, though, and technology will be critical to achieving our goals. This creates numerous opportunities for agritech businesses. Qatar recognises the strengths of agritech companies in the US – our most important global economic partner – and welcomes their partnership in fully-realising our ambitious vision for the sector,” al-Dosari said.
The event, which was hosted by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC; the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), and Silicon Valley Forum, provided US companies with an overview on how Qatar is driving towards a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food system, how agricultural technologies will play a role in achieving this vision, and what opportunities exist for US agritech investors.
According to Global Security Index, Qatar is ranked first in the Mena region and 13th globally for food security. To further enhance Qatar’s food security, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) is currently developing 34 projects, with an additional 32 projects in the future.
During the event, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) executive director of Business Finance Khalid Abdulla al-Mana said QDB is committed to the growth of Qatar’s food security and fostering the development of the agricultural sector.
“We constantly work alongside partner institutions to further develop a business-friendly ecosystem for both international investors and SMEs alike to support Qatar’s ambition to become a fully food-secure nation,” al-Mana said.
Hassad Food executive director of Business Relations Mubarak al-Sahuti said, “It is our pleasure to be part of the virtual event on agritech investment opportunities in Qatar, and we look forward to collaborating with US agritech investors to find new prospects where we could support Qatar’s food security efforts.”
Over the years, Hassad invested in key strategic establishments, such as Sunrise Food International, the world’s largest supplier of organic grains and oilseeds; Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) in Australia; and investments in poultry and fishery sectors in Oman. Moreover, Hassad owns various strategic local investments in Qatar which are operated by the company’s subsidiaries.
Silicon Valley Forum director of International Relations Nick Sramek said Qatar’s rapid economic development, coupled with an ambitious plan for food security, as well as an extremely business friendly environment, “has created plentiful opportunities for US agritech investors.”
Silicon Valley is one the premiere tech-hubs globally, and Qatar is developing a similar culture of innovation across many sectors. Some of the most promising investment opportunities in Qatar are in the deployment of advanced technologies in agriculture including crop production hydroponic greenhouses, vertical farming, and irrigation systems.
USQBC managing director Mohamed Barakat added: “Over the past few years, Qatar has made tremendous strides to ensure its food security. Through the raft of projects coming online now and the near future, we forecast many opportunities for US agritech investors to not only help the country develop domestic production, but also become a net food exporter, as well.”