29-10-2017
Tunisian firms are in advanced stages of talks to set up food processing plants in Qatar, Qatar Chamber Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Twar al Kuwari said on the sidelines of a meeting between Qatar Chamber officials and members of a Tunisian trade delegation, Kuwari said Tunisian companies have already proved their expertise by successfully running two food processing plants in Qatar.
“At a time when Qatar is striving hard to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, the proposal of Tunisian firms to set up more plants in the country is a big boost towards realising the goal,” he said.
He added that raw materials for the proposed plants would be imported from Tunisia. “The raw materials would be processed, packaged, bottled and sold in Qatar and other countries in the region,” he noted.
Kuwari said Qatar is also working on new sea routes to ensure uninterrupted import of raw materials from North African countries like Tunisia.
“Uninterrupted supplies from North African countries are vital for meeting our food needs. Soon after the siege was imposed on Qatar by the Saudi-led bloc, efforts are being made to have an alternative route to link Hamad Port with North African countries,” he said.
Citing Tunisia as a reliable trade partner, Kuwari said Qatar is also looking to import more fresh products from the country. He said Qatari businessmen are also looking to invest in various sectors including agriculture, tourism, hospitality and infrastructure in Tunisia.
Abdelmoumen Toukabri, head of the Tunisian trade delegation, said Qatari businessmen have shown interest in investing in an ambitious $200 million agriculture project in Tunisia. “The agreements in this regard are expected to be signed soon,” he said.
Toukabri said trade delegation comprising representatives from nine public and 40 private companies had a fruitful interaction with Qatari businessmen during the meeting. “A number of food companies in Tunisia have signed contracts with popular retail shops in Qatar to supply their products,” he said.
