Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
The ‘Forging Qatari-EU Partnerships for Sustainable Food Security’ event successfully wrapped up yesterday, uniting high-level officials, experts, and industry leaders from Qatar and the European Union to explore strategies for boosting food security and developing resilient, sustainable food systems.
Organised by the EU-GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and the European Union Delegation to Qatar, the event focused on promoting innovation, enhancing trade relations, and identifying joint solutions to shared agricultural challenges.
Two engaging panel sessions highlighted the day’s discussions: ‘Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture’ and ‘Strengthening International Trade and Resilient Food Supply Chains’. Key topics included cutting-edge agritech solutions like hydroponics and aquaponics, integrating renewable energy into farming, and addressing trade barriers to ensure stable food supplies.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of the European Union to Qatar HE Dr. Cristian Tudor stressed the importance of collaboration saying: "Food security is a global challenge that demands global solutions. The EU is dedicated to partnering with Qatar to foster innovation in agritech and sustainable farming practices, guided by the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. Together, we can enhance Qatar’s food security while promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Today’s discussions set the stage for further cooperation, new partnerships, and mutual economic benefits.”
Dr. Jarallah Al Marri, director of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality, underscored Qatar’s dedication to advancing food security through sustainable methods: "Qatar has made significant progress in enhancing food security, particularly in light of environmental challenges. Our strategy for 2024-2030 emphasizes increasing self-sufficiency, integrating technology, and ensuring resilience in our food supply chains. Collaborating with the European Union and leveraging its expertise in sustainable agriculture will help us reach these goals and build a more robust food system for the future.”
The event highlighted innovation’s crucial role in sustainable agriculture, with experts sharing insights on how Qatar and the EU can utilize advanced technologies like data-driven agriculture, renewable energy integration, and precision farming to boost productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
Beyond technological advancements, the event also focused on the importance of establishing resilient food supply chains and reducing trade barriers. Participants discussed necessary regulatory and policy improvements that would enable smoother trade relations between Qatar and the EU, fostering more effective collaboration in the agricultural sector.
The ‘Forging Qatari-EU Partnerships for Sustainable Food Security’ event marked a vital step in deepening relations between Qatar and the European Union. It provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and generating new investment and collaboration opportunities within the agricultural field.