A Mahaseel file picture used for representation
Doha: The Director of Business Relations at Hassad Food, Mubarak Rashid Al Sahouti, has said that the company investment focuses more on domestic projects due to the current situation.
“The development is continuing at all levels with regard to the company’s internal and external investments. In Hassad Company, we have not stopped foreign investment but our focus is more on domestic projects due to the current situation,” he said.
Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, Al Sahouti said: “We have shares in international food companies, including Turkish companies, in order to have (indirect) source in food security.”
Regarding a question about the company’s support to the domestic livestock and agricultural resources sector, he said that the Hassad Company, through Mahaseel purchased agricultural products for marketing in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). It was among the most successful experiences and partnerships with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
“The goal is to market local agricultural products, and now these products have improved as it is no longer possible to differentiate between the local agricultural product and the imported ones,” he noted.
Mahaseel aims to contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in the vegetable sector and ease the burden on local farmers’ in order to focus on enhancing the quality and quantity of local produce.
About the company's efforts to support the local market, Al Sahouti said that the company has announced a 50% rent reduction in the central market of Al Wakra, from November 1, 2020. He also said that the reduction is for a period of two years.
“The central markets are very important for the Hassad Company and for residents also because of their great importance in providing foodstuffs and marketing them. Therefore, the company reduced the rental value of all activities in the market, which will be reflected in local production,” he said.
He further said that the decision aims to support the local livestock sector and other associated activities.
As the country works towards achieving food security, the government has put in place a system that encourages the production and patronage of national products across the country.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced recently that there will be a great opportunity for the fresh local produce and local food products to get priority for display on markets’ shelves.
