Qatar Chamber Discusses Options for Food Imports to Qatari Market

Doha, June 11 (QNA) - Qatar Chamber held here today an expanded meeting, which brought together all food importing companies, to discuss all obstacles facing businessmen and traders in order to solve them and ensure smooth flow of goods to the local market. A statement issued by the Qatar Chamber said businessmen's proposals were made during the meeting to facilitate the flow of goods. Chief executive officer of Qatar Ports Management Company (MWANI Qatar), Abdullah Khonji, announced the launch of two new shipping lines between Hamad Port and Sohar and Salalah ports in Oman, pointing out that the first vessel arrived from the port of Sohar in Hamad Port yesterday. The two lines will greatly enhance the import movement of food commodities, he stressed. Khonji thanked the Sultanate of Oman for its fraternal position and strong support, noting that many Omani private sector companies have expressed their willingness to provide logistical support for Qatari food importing companies. In this context, Khonji pointed to the direct shipping line between Hamad Port and China's economic capital Shanghai within the service of "New Falcon" of the Mediterranean Shipping Company "MSC" which takes 14 to 20 days and the Ocean Alliance direct Line, which will contribute to enhancing the import movement. Under the current situation, MWANI Qatar gives food items the highest priority, he said, referring to the ongoing coordination with Customs to facilitate the procedures for the release of goods. Khonji pointed out that the problem of containers in Jebel Ali is being worked out since the break of relations, noting that the goods that were on their way to Jebel Ali before the crisis would go to Sohar Port in Oman before heading to Doha. For his part, Saleh Abdullah Al Haroun, who represented Qatar Navigation (Milaha) during the meeting, said Milaha is doing its utmost to provide everything that would facilitate the procedures of importing goods and their flow on the local market, pointing out that the company is currently operating three weekly ships to Sohar Port and will increase the number of vessels soon. He also explained that there is a plan to purchase a number of new vessels, stressing that the current situation requires the contribution of Qatar Navigation and Qatar Airways in supporting traders and facilitating the procedures for importing goods. Mohamed Ahmed al Obaidly, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment at Qatar Chamber, called on businessmen to form an alliance or partnership to lease private aircraft and ships to ship goods they import from different countries. He stressed Qatar Chamber's keenness to coordinate with businessmen to achieve this end. Al Obaidly pointed out that the meeting urged businessmen to submit their proposals to Qatar Chamber within three days in order to solve the obstacles and facilitate the flow of goods from different countries, whether by sea or air, and to achieve surplus goods and not just meet the needs of the market. The meeting was also attended by Nasser bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, who represented the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and Sergin Al Khawari as Qatar Airways' representative. (QNA)