- Qatar participated in the International Dates Council ministerial meeting in Riyadh, led by Engineer Fahd bin Mohammed Al Qahtani, assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security Affairs.
- The meeting included ministers from GCC countries, representatives from date-producing and importing nations, and international organizations like FAO and ACSAD.
- Key topics discussed included the Council’s strategy, five-year work plan, organizational structure, private sector collaboration, and attracting memberships.
- The Council aims to enhance international cooperation, address challenges in the dates sector, develop date industries, and promote sustainable development globally.
Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, actively participated in the ministerial meeting of the International Dates Council held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The meeting brought together key representatives, including ministers of agriculture and food security from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, officials from date-producing and importing nations, and prominent organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, and the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD).
The Qatari delegation was led by Engineer Fahd bin Mohammed Al Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality. This high-level representation emphasized Qatar’s commitment to advancing the dates sector and enhancing international cooperation in this field.
Key Topics Addressed
The meeting covered several significant topics. These included finalizing the strategy of the International Dates Council, formulating a detailed five-year work plan, and establishing the organizational structure of the Council.
Discussions also focused on strengthening the Council’s collaboration with the private sector and electing its governing bodies. Participants explored ways to attract more membership from date-importing countries, organizations, and entities involved in palm and dates production.
The gathering aimed to address challenges within the palm and dates sector. Participants discussed advancing research, improving production techniques, and developing date-related industries. Emphasis was placed on enhancing the sector’s capacity to achieve sustainable development regionally and globally.
Qatar’s Commitment to the Dates Sector
Qatar has demonstrated its dedication to the palm and dates industry through active participation in the International Dates Council. Qatar joined the International Date Council in 2024.
The country prioritizes the development of the agricultural sector, with particular focus on supporting local date production. Initiatives include providing assistance to farm owners and encouraging palm cultivation to boost local yields.
Qatar hosts an annual exhibition and a local date festival to promote products from domestic farms. These events highlight the importance of agriculture in the nation’s food security strategy and showcase Qatar’s efforts to strengthen the sector.
Importance of International Cooperation
The International Dates Council plays a critical role in fostering global collaboration. By encouraging collective action, the Council seeks to address the unique challenges faced by the dates industry. It also works to implement initiatives that drive innovation, improve practices, and ensure the sustainability of date production.
Qatar’s involvement in this Council reflects its strategic vision to enhance food security and support the global dates market. The country’s active participation in such platforms not only benefits its domestic agricultural industry but also contributes to broader international efforts aimed at sustainable agricultural development.
This participation underscores Qatar’s growing influence in global agricultural forums and its unwavering commitment to supporting the dates industry, both locally and internationally.
