H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rumaihi inaugurates Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition 2017

More than 100 local, regional and global companies participate at 5th Agriteq

Exhibition includes series of activities, workshops, auction, and exchange of expertise in agricultural sector

Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rumehi, Qatar’s Minister of Municipality and Environment, has inaugurated today (Wednesday, March 22, 2017) the 5th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (Agriteq 2017). The event, organized by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, will run until Saturday March 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E Dr. Fuad bin Jafar bin Al Sajwani, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Oman, José Graziano Da Silva, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Faisal Saoud Al-Hasawi Chairman and Director General of the Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources Affairs, and a number of ambassadors.

H.E. Al-Rumaihi explained that the exhibition aims to raise the level of agricultural production in the country in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030’s food security goals to increase the quality and quantity of crop production.

H.E. noted that the Ministry’s vision can be achieved by giving the complete support to Qatari farms and providing them with agricultural material, fertilizers, veterinary treatments and consultations with the Ministry’s agriculture experts, in addition to coordination with the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in implementing local agriculture-related projects. He emphasized the Ministry’s outlook towards the provision of agricultural projects for the youth by year 2030 to help increase agricultural, livestock and fishery production.

H.E. Al Rumaihi further pointed out that the directives of the country’s wise leaders have had significant impact on making this year’s edition of Agriteq a great success on the local and international level, underlining the event’s main objective which revolves around offering extensive support to agriculture, livestock production and fisheries in Qatar to help attract foreign expertise, technologies and businesses, as well as emphasize the role of Qatari farms to achieve self-sufficiency in fruits and vegetables.

H.E. added that the outcome of Agriteq 2017 will contribute effectively to making the future of agriculture in Qatar more promising from a business and economic perspective, thereby helping achieve food security. He continued that the Ministry supports the efforts made by farms towards using modern technology without increasing water consumption or workforce, and using carefully selected seeds and high-quality biological products.

He added: “Agriteq offers an ideal opportunity to increase the number of local farms and Qatari products, as well as opens bigger prospects to compete with imported products. This is clearly evident in the public demand on local products in compounds and markets.”

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al -Thani, Assistant Undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, explained that the agricultural industry in Qatar is seeing remarkable development due to efforts in product marketing and pursuing new opportunities in fishery, agricultural and livestock projects which address a large aspect of the country’s needs. He further commended the notable participation of local, regional and international businesses in the event to learn about the latest modern technologies in agriculture and fisheries, as well the participation of Qatari farms and local agricultural product yards.

Agriteq is considered an ideal platform for participants to exchange expertise and experiences among industry peers as well as connect with high-level officials and industry leaders to discuss trends and opportunities in Qatar’s agricultural market, expecting more than 100 local, regional and international companies from the agriculture sector.

The exhibition aims to support and drive initiatives within the agricultural sector through a range of business activities and interactive workshops, enabling participants to experience and test the latest technologies and best practices in addition to participating in livestock and fowl auctions for interested farmers and ranchers. It also presents the latest agricultural products and technologies from international companies, including developments in irrigation, livestock and dairy farms, horticulture and poultry feed, veterinary products and fish farming.

The Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition has received a strong local and regional following as the ideal melting pot for professionals and experts in the agricultural sector. It also holds a forum for participants to discuss issues and updates with decision-makers and industry leaders, display the latest products and new mechanisms and techniques, explore market trends, and provide solutions to the most important challenges facing the sector. The exhibition plays a vital role in the development of Qatar’s agricultural market by providing consulting and marketing products and appropriate solutions for improving the agricultural sector, which is one of the pillars in the country’s food security.