Doha, Qatar: Qatar Chamber (QC) participated in the EU-Qatar Dialogue on Safe and Resilient Food Trade, which was held at W Doha Hotel in person and via video conference.
Qatar Chamber was represented by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, Board Member and Chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee.
The opening session of the dialogue was attended by Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Qatar.
Discussions at the EU-Qatar Dialogue included the support of a stable access for European food and agricultural exports to markets, alignment with international standards for sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and enhancing regulatory transparency in import procedures.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly spoke during the first panel discussion, which focused on food security in Qatar and safe food trade between Qatar and the European Union. The session also featured Jose Iraldi, Chief Strategy Officer at Hassad Food.
Al Obaidly affirmed that Qatar’s experience in food security is no longer limited to theoretical plans or studies, but has become a practical experience shaped by the country’s response to various crisis. He noted that Qatar now has clear expertise in identifying its needs and building effective partnerships with international stakeholders, particularly the European Union.
He explained that Qatar does not want to be viewed only as a consumer market, but rather as a reliable partner capable of building an integrated ecosystem with international partners based on mutual benefit and the exchange of expertise.
He also pointed out that Qatar Chamber plays an important role in strengthening communication with trade and investment delegations from around the world, receiving hundreds of official and business delegations annually in search of cooperation and investment opportunities.
Al Obaidly affirmed that the goal is to make Qatar a hub for food security and technology. He highlighted the importance of building genuine partnerships between Qatar and the European Union based on a win-win approach, explaining that Europe needs energy, while Qatar needs technology, research and development, and advanced expertise, particularly in agriculture, supply chains, food safety, and modern technologies.
He also called for benefiting from successful international models, such as the Netherlands’ experience in agribusiness, where a strong system has been built on strategic partnerships, exports, and innovation.
He stressed that Qatar seeks to develop a similar model in cooperation with its European partners, so that it becomes an active partner rather than merely an end user.
