QC, IOFS discuss ways to boost food security

Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Chamber (QC) Board Member and Chair of QC Food Security Committee Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly met with Islamic Organizatio...

Tribune News NetworkDohaQatar Chamber (QC) Board Member and Chair of QC Food Security Committee Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly met with Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) General Director Prof Yerian A Baidaulet in Doha on Wednesday.During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between both institutions, as well as cooperation in paving the ways for the Qatari private sector and its counterparts in the 36 Islamic member countries of the organisation with the aim to promote mutual investments in agriculture and food sectors.On his part, Obaidly underscored the importance of cementing cooperation among Islamic states in food security, stressing the need for our economies to be open to various global economies and build strong relationships in agriculture and food industries that allow the private sector to play an important role in enhancing food security in Islamic countries.He also assured the importance of having a general accord governing the cooperation between the various parties in a way that boosts trade and investment exchange in the field of food security, noting the need to support agricultural investments and assist producers in the marketing process.Speaking on the occasion, Baidaulet praised the development of the food security sector in Qatar, pointing out that the organisation seeks to foster cooperation relations with Qatar Chamber to encourage Qatari investors to invest in food industries in member states.Elaborating on the role of IOFS, he said that it aims to provide expertise and technical know-how to member states on various aspects of sustainable agriculture, rural development, food security, and biotechnology.It also works to assess and monitor the state of food security in member states to be able to identify emergencies and provide social safety nets and humanitarian assistance through food security reserves.Baidaulet also said that the organization seeks to coordinate, formulate, and implement common agricultural policies, such as the exchange and transfer of appropriate technology and public food management systems.It addresses problems posed by desertification, deforestation, erosion, and salinity, as well as mobilises and manages financial and agricultural resources to enhance food security, he added.