23/7/2017
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry discussed mechanisms to facilitate the flow of food commodities to the local market without shortage or interruption, as well as to maintain the pace of supplying the domestic market with all its food products.
During the meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment of the Qatar Chamber, with the importers of foodstuffs and in the presence of the members of the Logistical Support Committee, which formed in the wake of the Gulf crisis and the siege imposed on the State of Qatar.
Several topics were discussed including the new handling fees, air freight rates, the mechanisms of importing fresh chickens from some countries, as well as the compulsory pricing on vegetables and fruits.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Chamber and Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, chaired the meeting in the presence of members of the Logistical Support Committee, which has been formed in the wake of the Qatar-Gulf crisis, including representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy & Commerce, General Authority of Customs, Qatar Ports Management Company “Mwani” and “Milaha”.
The participants praised the circular issued by the Chamber concerning the reduction of handling fees at the ports of the State, which was released on the directives of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Food importers and companies representatives praised the Committee’s roles since the beginning of the blockade and its constant communication with all authorities concerned to solve all obstacles facing food companies.
They called for revising all handling fees and enhancing cooperation with all new ports from which Qatar’s companies import goods.
Addressing the attendees, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly stressed that the Committee is continuing to hold meetings with importers of foodstuffs to find out all the requirements for the coming period and to study all the problems and difficulties faced by these companies in importing all types of food commodities, to ensure the foodstuffs flow to the Qatari market without any shortage or interruption.
Attendees reviewed some overruns committed by some traders causing delay and confusion of cargos in ports. The committee said a list of offending companies is being prepared to be legally treated.
Members of the Logistical Support Committee said that the committee held various meeting with food companies to discuss obstacles facing them to find instant solutions.
