January 17, 2008

Qatar to invest US$33 million to boost poultry production
 

The Arab-Qatari Company for Poultry Production (AQCPP) will invest 120 million Qatari riyals (US$33 million) in new projects and facilities to boost egg and poultry meat production to meet  local demand, the company said on Tuesday (January 15, 2008).

The decision was influenced by the local market's current shortage for egg and poultry products, which have resulted in higher prices. The shortage was caused by veterinary restrictions on imports due to fears of bird flu and population growth.

A capacity expansion project was initiated by AQCPP in 2007 with the aim of raising egg production to 25 million eggs per year. The company now aims to boost egg production to 90 million per year in 2009.

AQCPP is a joint venture between the government of Qatar with 40 percent and the Saudi Arabia-based Arab Livestock Development Company with 60 percent.