Qatar is interested in selling its gas to Ukraine, while Ukraine can find another market for its food production.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be traveling to Qatar today, where he is to broker a deal, trading Ukrainian food for gas, writes Ukrinform. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest food producers, and other countries are looking towards Ukraine for food security.
“The talks in Qatar will focus on food security. Ukraine is convinced that it can become a guarantor of food security in the world. And cooperation with the Gulf countries, such as Qatar, can bring mutually beneficial results,” said Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Roman Leshchenko to Ukrinform.
Among the topics today will be a discussion about investing in food exports, food processing, irrigation and port logistics, according to UBN. One of the key company’s is Hassad Food, an agricultural investment company part of Qatar Investment Authority. Hassad Food has previously invested in India and Australia, according to UBN, and it is the hope that they will do similar investments in Ukraine.
A continuation of recent strategy
Ukrainian officials have previously visited other countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates. According to the Deputy Head of the Office of President Igor Zhovkva, visiting Qatar is a part of the strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s interest in the region.
“Our task is to strengthen our own position in the region. To do this, we will increase the supply of agricultural products and more. Ukraine has great prospects in the energy, investment and military-technical spheres,” Zhovkva said, according to Ukrinform.
The adviser to the head of the President’s Office, Mykhailo Podoliak, added that Ukraine would benefit from more international companies coming to Ukraine. It will increase the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy; he pointed out. Podoliak believes Qatar can help Ukraine through investment programs such as investments in infrastructure in airports and port management and investments in agriculture, energy, IT, and finance.
“A short visit to Qatar is a good attempt to expand our capabilities. And this is important today – when the world is a bit confused and trying to develop joint programs to respond to new challenges. In addition, diverse and trusting relations with various regional leaders are one of the key elements of our national security,” said Podoliak, according to Ukrinform.
Qatar wants to sell its gas
Qatar has the world’s third-largest natural gas reserves, after Russia and Iran. As Ukraine is trying to get independence from Russian gas supplies, Qatar could be an opportunity.
“Qatar has extensive international experience in a number of these areas, including energy, port management, and food security. Joint projects will increase investment in Ukraine, create additional jobs, increase international trade and strengthen positions in international markets. Qatar is a long-term strategic partner for Ukraine, and this visit will outline the main priorities of such a partnership,” Presidential Economic Advisor Tymofiy Milovanov said.
Ukraine is also planning a trip to South Africa next week, led by Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Trade, and Agriculture Taras Kachka.
