AgriteQ, EnviroteQ Exhibitions to Kick Off Next Week

Doha, March 12 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the country is gearing up to host Qatar's 7th International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and Qatar's First International Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), with both being held simultaneously from March 19-22, 2019 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). About 450 local and foreign companies from more than 50 countries will participate in the four-day exhibition, reflecting the international interest in the country's vital agricultural and environmental projects and the promising investment opportunities in these sectors. The exhibition bears great significance as it serves as a strategic platform to explore new prospects aimed at further developing the Qatari agricultural sector- which serves as a main pillar of food security and is a top priority in the move to achieve self-sufficiency. EnviroteQ is an effective platform to discuss and introduce innovative environmental solutions to meet current and emerging challenges, and a great opportunity to share international and local experiences. HE Minister of Municipality and Environment Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie stated that this year's AgriteQ falls in line with Qatar's growing interest in the agricultural sector over the recent years, with the aim to increase domestic agricultural production, enhance rates of self-sufficiency and achieve food security. H.E pointed out that the current edition complements the success of the shows previous editions, which has attracted huge international participation and served as a direct gate to reaching the latest global technological innovations for improved agricultural production in light of the rising domestic food demand- all falling in line with the Comprehensive Plan for Food Security 2014-2024 framework aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency in accordance with the best practices and latest modern agricultural and food technologies. HE noted that the exhibition has been instrumental in laying a strong foundation for technological advancements and highly impactful ambitious projects that have had a great impact in achieving 80 per cent self-sufficiency in vegetables, meat, and fish and 100 per cent in poultry and egg derivatives. His Excellency continued: "Qatar has accomplished a number of achievements in the agricultural sector under the vision and wise guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who has placed the development of natural resources, particularly agriculture, at the top of national priorities in pursuit of self-sufficiency and food security. To attain food security, the government has adopted innovative environmental sustainability policies, strategies, and techniques." Commenting on Qatar's First International Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), HE said: "The exhibition supports Qatar's sustained efforts to protect the environment as it is one of the main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. It is an ideal chance to enable pioneers to explore promising local opportunities and gain direct access to the latest water treatment and waste management technologies and other smart agricultural tools." HE Assistant Undersecretary of Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al-Thani said: "The continuing national efforts, led by the Minister of Municipality and Environment, have led to highly positive results and have culminated in the increased local production of agricultural, fishery, animal, and dairy products to 400 per cent since 2017, with an annual fresh food trade volume of QAR 10 billion. This has also led to the opening of new investment prospects in the domestic agricultural sector, backed by modern facilities and key government investment policies." His Excellency added: "Qatar also prioritizes optimum investment in technology, research and development, and food control to bolster quality agricultural, animal, and fishery productions using safe and sustainable ways according to the Second National Development Strategy 2018-2022. The national strategy aims to increase livestock and fish productions to 30 per cent and 65 per cent, respectively, by 2022in support of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to cement Qatar’s global leadership and ensure its sustainable development to provide its people with a decent living." His Excellency pointed to the support provided by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to farmers to promote national agricultural products of all kinds according to the highest quality standards, in terms of commitment to translate the objectives of the second national development strategy, which is a roadmap for the continued prosperity and renaissance of the homeland. The event is set to bring together regional and global pioneers, investors, providers, and experts in veterinary products, food industries, agricultural products, and environmental technologies. Commenting on EnviroteQ, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada said: "Qatar is keen to protect the environment and its natural balance in order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for all generations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030." Eng. Al Sada continued: "Organizing EnviroteQ for the first time this year is a national initiative that meets the requirements of the National Vision 2030 to achieve environmental sustainability with the participation of all members of the society and economic sectors in accordance with the best international environmental standards." Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs said: "EnviroteQ offers a great opportunity to show the environmental sustainability in all sectors in Qatar, presenting new opportunities for the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to highlight its role and strategic plans to achieve environmental sustainability. The exhibition is a strategic platform for all government sectors in Qatar, the region and the world; as well as local and international companies to introduce the latest technologies and solutions that support environmental sustainability. This applies especially in the areas of alternative energy, energy conservation in construction sector, industrial technologies that reduce raw materials for products, recycling techniques, water conservation technologies and many more." Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada said: "Qatar is keen to protect the environment and its natural balance in order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for all generations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. We are committed to maintaining harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental management, as well as improving the quality of life of the population. The development process is also aligned with the requirements of protection and preservation of the natural environment and its elements of air, water, soil and innate life." President of the organizing committee Mohammed Ali Al Khouri said the event this year will cover all the venue space at DECC, due to the high demand from local and international exhibitors. He said that the exhibitors put in consideration the local and regional agricultural and environmental requirements and are focusing on technology sectors and their developments, agricultural and environmental consulting, as well as the presence of pavilions representing a number of local farms. He added that this international event represents an important opportunity for companies, businessmen and those interested in the agricultural and environmental sectors to exchange experiences and contract deals, thus contributing to the development of these sectors. Vice president of the organizing committee Yousuf Khaled Al Khulaifi said Agriteq in its current edition is the biggest in Qatar until now. It focuses on important areas of agriculture and the environment and touches on local needs. He added that the seventh edition of the exhibition is an ideal opportunity to explore the wide range of agricultural products, machinery and technologies offered by leading international brands. Al Khulaifi said there is an accompanying conference to both exhibitions as a platform to exchange expertise and to learn about the latest practices and research on the most pressing issues and major challenges at the environmental and agricultural level. In addition to exploring new opportunities in the agricultural production field locally and regionally. Member of the organizing committee Salem Al Safran said the exhibition is an opportunity to adopt global environmental issues and launch regional and global initiatives, especially with the invitation of a number of government representatives, experts and specialists to provide research and studies in the conference workshops. All this in aim of exchanging and transferring expertise and knowledge in the field of environment, as well as presenting the latest means and innovations in the field of sustainable development, including environment and energy, waste management, water management, renewable energy production, environmental risk management and air quality. Al Safran said the exhibition includes pavilions for companies, factories, entities and universities targeted to present their achievements in terms of compliance with sound environmental standards in their operations and reflect the development of their activities in terms of social responsibility and the growth of their industries and development roles. (QNA)