site.btaQatar Environment Minister Proposes Setting Up Joint Food Venture with Bulgaria

Qatar Environment Minister Proposes Setting Up Joint Food Venture with Bulgaria

Sofia, September 6 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov conferred here on Sunday with visiting Qatari Environment Minister Ahmad Amir Muhammad al-Humaidi and his delegation, the Government Information Service said. At the meeting, al-Humaidi proposed the establishment of a joint-stock company between the two countries specialized in the sphere of food.

The joint venture is expected to include between 15 and 20 of the best Bulgarian producers of meat, fruits and vegetables. The sides will discuss the conditions for the incorporation of the company during the remaining two days of the delegation's stay here.

The Prime Minister and his guest agreed on the setting up of a commission of government officials of Bulgaria and Qatar, which will seek to deepen bilateral cooperation.

"The Gulf Cooperation Council shows great interest in Bulgarian produce," said Qatar Chamber Board Member and Agriculture and Environment Group Chairman Mohammed Bin Ahmed Alobaidly. Al-Humaidi assured the Bulgarian head of government that the Qatar Chamber will be a motor force of strengthening bilateral cooperation and trade and that Qatari companies will quickly explore the Bulgarian market.

"Fine cooperation between Qatar and Bulgaria is a prerequisite for a good start of deepening our joint work," Borissov asserted.

Twelve Bulgarian agricultural producers will present their products to the Qatari delegation on Monday, it emerged from a meeting between Qatar's Environment Minister Ahmad Amir Muhammad al-Humaidi and Bulgarian Agriculture and Food Minister Dessislava Taneva in Sofia on Saturday.

Taneva said that the Qatari delegation would be in Bulgaria until Tuesday and would be able to directly negotiate the import of Bulgarian products, mainly lamb meat. Taneva offered assurances that Bulgarian producers meet EU standards and food safety is guaranteed. She expressed the hope that Bulgarian and Qatari companies would sign contracts during the visit.

For his part, Al-Humaidi said he hoped for a good start of business cooperation and tangible steps towards it. He stressed that his country prioritizes food safety.