Doha, 13 Oct. 2024

The 'Forging Qatari-EU Partnerships for Sustainable Food Security' conference successfully concluded today, bringing together high-level officials, experts, and industry leaders from both Qatar and the European Union to discuss strategies to enhance food security and build resilient, sustainable food systems.

The event was organized at the Hotel Intercontinental Doha by EU-GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification Project, in partnership with Ministry of Municipality and the European Union Delegation to State of Qatar. The event focused on fostering innovation, strengthening trade relations, and identifying collaborative solutions to common challenges in agriculture and food production.

The event featured two dynamic panel sessions: 'Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture'; and 'Strengthening International Trade and Resilient Food Supply Chains'. Key topics included advanced agritech solutions such as hydroponics and aquaponics, the integration of renewable energy into agriculture, and overcoming trade barriers to ensure stable food supplies.

Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of European Union to State of Qatar, in his opening speech highlighted the importance of collaboration. He said that 'Food security is a global challenge, and it requires global solutions'.

He added that the EU is committed to partnering with Qatar in fostering innovation in agritech and sustainable farming practices, driven by the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. Together, we can strengthen Qatar’s food security while promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Today’s discussions pave the way for further cooperation, new partnerships, and mutual economic benefits, Dr. Tudor added.

Dr.  Jarallah Al Marri, Director, Food Security Department, Ministry of Municipality emphasized Qatar’s commitment to advancing food security through sustainable practices. He said that 'Qatar has made remarkable strides in enhancing its food security, especially in the face of environmental challenges.

He said that 'our strategy for 2024-2030 focuses on increasing self-sufficiency, integrating technology, and ensuring resilience in our food supply chains. Collaborating with the European Union and learning from its experience in sustainable agriculture will help us achieve these goals and create a more resilient food system for the future, AlMarri said.

The event underscored the critical role of innovation in sustainable agriculture. Experts shared insights on how Qatar and the EU can leverage advanced technologies such as data-driven agriculture, renewable energy integration, and precision farming to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

In addition to technological advancements, the event addressed the importance of building resilient food supply chains and reducing trade barriers. Participants discussed regulatory and policy improvements that would facilitate smoother trade relations between Qatar and the EU, ensuring that both regions can collaborate more effectively in the agricultural sector.

'Forging Qatari-EU Partnerships for Sustainable Food Security' seminar  was a crucial step in deepening ties between Qatar and the European Union. It provided a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration in the agricultural sector.