Qatar Agribusiness Fish Farming Opportunities
Since the launch of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, Qatar is undergoing a steady, economic transformation. As Qatar shifts to focus on post 2022 FIFA World Cup priorities, food security, sustainability, and local agricultural production are key pillars in Qatar’s national security strategy. The aim is to decrease dependance on food imports and grow more fresh food locally and sustainably. This strategic initiative will include private-sector innovation and partnership focused on increasing the production levels of local vegetables, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy, and fish.
Background
Under the purview of Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality, Qatar will continue developing local agriculture, meat, and dairy products to support food security goals for the country. Specifically in fish production, Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality will oversee and eventually put forward public tender projects on their website at https://www.mme.gov.qa/ to enhance this industry. Given the urgency of the food security goal and the breadth of opportunities in this sector, locally based private companies are looking for the latest U.S. technologies to support efficient, sustainable agricultural and fish production. There is a demand for technology in this area to keep up with the latest methods and trends and implement large-scale projects. In line with the National Food Security Strategy 2019-2023, the government has prioritized developing the fish farming industry locally to increase production and self-sufficiency.
In 2020, the Aquatic Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) was launched, which houses laboratories, production facilities, and administrative and residential buildings. There is a marine finfish hatchery, shrimp hatchery, live feed production facilities, wet and dry laboratories, and a quarantine unit. The AFRC is highly equipped with the latest technologies in fish farming systems, and it is currently running a production capacity of two million larvae of fish per year. According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, this production capacity will gradually reach the national target of over 20 million larvae of fish in the next five years.
Opportunities for U.S. companies
The government of Qatar is actively seeking investors and solutions from foreign companies to establish national fisheries and enhance their aquaculture industry. This food sector priority is creating new opportunities for investors and companies to finance Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) on agricultural and cage fish farms. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, seafood consumption in Qatar has risen to 24.5 kg per year due to increased awareness about the health benefits of consuming fish.
The fishery sector in Qatar is small scale but has experienced steady growth since 2010. However, there is room to increase the volume of good-quality fish in a sustainable manner. Qatar’s goal in the next five years is to produce at least 90 percent of the local need. The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Qatar was valued at $148,216,600 USD in 2020 and is projected to reach $198,318,700 USD by 2026, registering a compound annual growth rate of 5 percent. There is opportunity for U.S. companies to provide technologies and solutions that will aid Qatar in reaching its production goals.
Qatar research organizations, governmental stakeholders, and end-users are looking for U.S. solutions and the latest technologies in fisheries and fish farming systems with a focus on sustainability. Some key organizations include:
• The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
• The Aquatic Fisheries Research Center
• The Ministry of Municipality
• Qatar University Research Center
• Qatar University Center for Sustainable Development
• Qatar Public Works Authority
• Hassad Food
• Agrico Qatar
Next Steps for the U.S. client
U.S. companies with products and services offering fish farming solutions should work with Anissa Lahreche (Anissa.Lahreche@trade.gov) at the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar to explore matchmaking, market research, and other assistance that may prove beneficial.
Participate in the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2023
AgriteQ was launched to act as an accelerator to achieve the goals outlined in Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy. AgriteQ provides a full-fledged platform for local and international agriculture stakeholders to exchange expertise, discover trends and developments, and seize business opportunities in this critical sector. AgriteQ is scheduled for March 15-19, 2023, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. U.S. companies specializing in agricultural technologies, equipment, fisheries, and research and development would benefit from access to key decision makers attending this exhibition and trade show and business-to-business matchmaking meetings. To find out more information about AgriteQ, contact Senior Commercial Specialist, Anissa Lahreche (Anissa.Lahreche@trade.gov).
2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28)
The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC will convene from November 30-December 12, 2023, in Dubai. U.S. companies can take advantage of side-line events surrounding COP 28 and the regional emphasis on climate change, food security, and sustainability. In addition, U.S. companies can capitalize from Dubai’s proximity and ease of travel and plan a regional trip, including Qatar. For more information about COP 28 and how the U.S. Commercial Service plans to support U.S. companies during the conference, please contact Commercial Specialist Vandana Nair at Vandana.Nair@trade.gov who is based in Dubai. For more information about services in Qatar while visiting the region, contact Senior Commercial Specialist, Anissa Lahreche (Anissa.Lahreche@trade.gov).