Doha: The Qatar-EU Dialogue on Safe and Resilient Food Trade was held on Monday, with participation from policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and experts from the European Union and Qatar. The gathering aimed to discuss food security, food safety systems, resilient supply chains, and international trade.
According to Qatar News Agency, the dialogue saw discussions on supporting stable access for European food and agricultural exports to markets, aligned with international standards for sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The event also emphasized fostering regulatory transparency in import procedures.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, Board Member and Chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee at Qatar Chamber, remarked that Qatar's experience in food security has evolved into a practical model shaped by the country's response to various crises. Al Obaidly emphasized that Qatar has developed clear expertise in identifying its needs and building effective partnerships with international stakeholders, particularly the EU. He stressed the importance of establishing a genuine and sustainable partnership with the EU, aiming to position Qatar as a global hub for food security and technology.
Al Obaidly highlighted that Qatar is a reliable partner capable of creating an integrated system with international partners based on mutual benefit and expertise exchange. He noted the Qatar Chamber's significant role in facilitating communication with trade and investment delegations globally, hosting numerous official and business delegations annually that seek cooperation and investment opportunities.
The dialogue underscored the importance of Qatar-EU partnerships based on mutual benefit, with Europe needing energy and Qatar requiring technology, research and development, and advanced expertise, particularly in agriculture, supply chains, food safety, and modern technologies. Al Obaidly advocated for leveraging successful international models, such as the Netherlands' agribusiness, to develop a similar framework in collaboration with European partners.
Addressing the daily challenges in the food trade sector, Al Obaidly emphasized the importance of digital transformation and technology use, including artificial intelligence, to enhance procedures, reduce time, and improve operational efficiency. He acknowledged that theoretical systems reveal real-world challenges during practical implementation for producers, importers, logistics companies, and other stakeholders.
Qatar has become a leading entity in practical food security experience, Al Obaidly stated, emphasizing that food security involves resilience, sustainability, and crisis management beyond just ensuring supply. In response to regional and international crises, Qatar Chamber has engaged in emergency discussions on food and water security and essential needs.
Al Obaidly highlighted Qatar's strategic reserves development and multi-route testing by land, sea, and air, ensuring preparedness for emergencies. He affirmed that Qatar's experience is rooted in practice, particularly in cold chains and logistics, with a current surplus in some products encouraging export considerations.
Balancing interests among stakeholders such as local producers, distributors, importers, and retailers is crucial, Al Obaidly noted, with the government's role being vital in ensuring system sustainability without harming any party. He stressed the need for public and private sector cooperation to achieve food security and the importance of distinguishing between essential goods and non-essential or luxury goods in the food security strategy.