Qatari firm Al Faisal Holding plans to build 16 new factories to meet local food needs
Ever since neighbouring nations imposed an illegal siege on Qatar almost a year ago, the country has been working hard to make itself self-sufficient.
While it flew in cows from around the world to take care of its daily needs of dairy products, local companies stepped in silently to ensure food production was also increased. New shipping routes were also opened to improve food security.
Now, leading Qatari conglomerate Al Faisal Holding is studying plans to establish 16 factories in Qatar to address the requirements of the domestic market, particularly in the fields of agriculture and food security, reported Gulf Times.
“Our group is studying 16 types of factories, some of which have already started, while the others that are in the pipeline will start soon,” Qatar Businessmen Association chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani said.
“We expect most of the factories to be operational in the near future. We’re trying to make things smartly and wisely. Our products will be much better and cheaper than the imported ones,” he was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.
Besides the 20 well-established and successful companies that operate under the umbrella of Al Faisal Holding, the upcoming projects would further diversify the group’s portfolio.
Commenting on the vital role played by the private sector in mitigating the impact of the ongoing blockade, Sheikh Faisal said, “The role of the private sector was visible within five days of the blockade.”
With the private sector swinging into action to source essential items from alternative sources, he said, things returned to normal quite fast.
Qatar has already made up for most of the imported goods that used to be sourced from the blockading countries, Sheikh Faisal said, adding that the upcoming projects would further ensure there is no shortage of consumer goods in the country.
Hailing the international business community for standing by Qatar during the crisis, he said, “We started receiving immediate support from the international business communities. Several businessmen from abroad contacted us with whatever they had to offer. It was quite heartening to see such a massive support for Qatar.”
