Qatar to begin discussion with Turkey and Iran about new land trade routes
Ever since the start of the illegal siege of Qatar two months ago, the country has been depending on Turkey and Iran to fulfil most of its food supply needs.
While the land border with Saudi Arabia remains shut, the country has been managing by shipping and flying in food from abroad.
However, Turkish authorities feel flying in food products from Turkey was not sustainable in the long run and said they were looking at alternate land routes to Qatar which could prove to be more cost effective.
“We’re thinking about alternatives for land trade routes with Qatar. Using cargo planes to carry Turkish products to Doha isn’t sustainable. Shipment by sea is set to gain more importance. While we foresee at least four large tonnage ships going to Qatar on a monthly basis, the land route is an alternative for carrying flexible and smaller packages,” Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was quoted as saying by Gulf Times.
Turkey, Qatar and Iran are hoping to discuss land trade routes on the sidelines of the oath-taking ceremony of Iran's president-elect Hassan Rouhani, reported Qatar Tribune.
“We want to meet all of Qatar’s needs. We want all goods providers in Turkey to sell products, including cleaning materials, domestic appliances and textiles, in Qatar,” said Zeybecki.
Trade between Turkey and Qatar increased in June and July, Zeybekci said, adding: “We’ve to make this increase permanent.”
Turkey's exports to Qatar totalled $52.4m in June from $36.2m in May, 2017. Turkey’s imports from Qatar amounted to $23.7m in June, compared to $19.6m in May.
