Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO) and Qatar University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation between them in various fields, including sponsoring agricultural research to support and develop the agricultural sector in Qatar and enhancing the knowledge of Qatari stakeholders  in the agricultural sector in addition to cooperation in the field of scientific research.

The memorandum was signed by His Excellency Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al-Derham, President of Qatar University, and Mr. Abdulrahman M. Al-Suwaidi, Managing Director and CEO of QAFCO.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President of the University for Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Khaled bin Nasser Al-Khater, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Hassan Al-Sayed, Director of the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute at Qatar University in addition to a number of officials from Qatar University and QAFCO.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al-Derham, President of the University, said: “The cooperation between Qatar University and QAFCO is not new”. He commended the reputation of QAFCO at the local and international levels, stressing that it has attracted many of Qatar University graduates and students. He also commended its MD&CEO, Mr. Abdulrahman M. Al-Suwaidi stressing that he is a strong supporter of the university and its various activities. Dr. Al-Derham spoke about the role of the recently established Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council that included in its strategy to encourage and strengthen this type of initiative to enhance the role of scientific research and its development, and to coordinate with petrochemical companies in areas that benefit society, which also reflects directly its development.

In this context, Dr. Al-Derham stressed that food security has become a priority after the blockade, and the university wants to progress the role of its farm and develop it into a model farm that benefits researchers and society with a focus on new technologies in the field of agriculture so that expertise and technology are combined.

Mr. Al-Suwaidi, said: “QAFCO is proud to partner with the local educational sector as part of its support towards Qatar’s vision of a knowledge-based economy. By signing the cooperation with Qatar University, QAFCO hopes to facilitate the development of a world-class educational system in Qatar, in alignment with the human development pillars of QNV 2030.”

Dr. Maryam Al-Maadeed spoke and praised QAFCO’s cooperation with the university and its rapid response to the university's request to support the field of scientific research.