LEBANON - Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister Hani met with Qatari officials in Doha to expand Lebanese agricultural exports, support the recovery of southern Lebanon’s agricultural sector, and develop investment partnerships under the country’s National Agriculture Strategy for 2026–2035.
The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation, improving food security and opening new markets for Lebanese agricultural products.
Three Priorities for Agricultural Cooperation
Minister Hani met with Qatar’s Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, whose ministry oversees agriculture and food security, in the presence of Lebanon’s Ambassador to Qatar, Bilal Qabalan.
The discussions focused on three main priorities.
The first was expanding Lebanese agricultural exports to Qatar by addressing commercial, logistical and administrative obstacles affecting shipments and facilitating access to the Qatari market. The initiative aims to improve the competitiveness of Lebanese products and create broader marketing opportunities for farmers, producers and exporters.
The second priority was supporting the recovery of southern Lebanon’s agricultural sector. Minister Hani outlined the damage and losses caused by the war to agricultural land, production facilities and infrastructure, as well as the challenges facing farmers seeking to resume production.
Discussions covered the needs and priorities for rehabilitating the sector, restoring damaged farmland and reactivating production chains. These measures aim to help farmers remain on their land and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
The third priority was developing investment and development partnerships. Minister Hani presented Lebanon’s National Agriculture Strategy for 2026–2035 and its agricultural investment plan, exploring opportunities for Lebanese-Qatari cooperation on priority projects.
Potential areas include modernizing agricultural production, developing infrastructure, strengthening value chains, advancing agricultural innovation, and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources to support agricultural development and food security.
Joint Follow-Up Through January 2027
Minister Al Attiyah expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon. Both sides agreed to establish a joint work agenda for follow-up and coordination through January 2027 to continue discussions and identify practical cooperation mechanisms and implementation steps.
The meeting also addressed Lebanon’s participation in AgriteQ, Qatar’s international agricultural exhibition scheduled for January 2027. The event is expected to provide a platform for institutions, producers and investors to develop partnerships and explore new opportunities for agricultural trade.
Meeting With Agricultural Importers
Separately, at the invitation of Ambassador Qabalan, Minister Hani met with fruit and vegetable importers at the Lebanese Embassy in Doha to discuss agricultural trade between the two countries and obstacles affecting the entry of Lebanese products into Qatar.
The meeting provided an opportunity to hear importers’ feedback on market requirements and discuss measures to facilitate trade flows, improve coordination between relevant authorities and ensure the efficient, regular delivery of Lebanese products while maintaining their quality and competitiveness.
Participants agreed to identify priority issues for follow-up with the relevant Qatari authorities, in coordination between Ambassador Qabalan and the Lebanese Agriculture Ministry’s team. The effort aims to resolve practical obstacles, simplify procedures and strengthen communication between importers and exporters.
