Qatar and Spain are actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and commercial relations, with a focus on expanding Spanish food exports into the Qatari market, according to Spanish Ambassador to Qatar HE Dr. Alvaro Renedo Zalba. The remarks were made during the launch of the ‘Festival of Spain 2026’ at LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar.
Despite ongoing challenges stemming from regional conflicts that have disrupted trade flows, both countries are assessing the impact on their economic ties and working to sustain momentum in their commercial engagements. The ambassador did not disclose specific figures regarding bilateral trade for the first nine months of 2026.
A key priority identified by Renedo Zalba is increasing the presence of Spanish products in Qatari supermarkets, restaurants, and supply chains. He emphasized the strong potential for further market penetration, particularly in the food sector, where Spain’s diverse culinary offerings and established traditions align well with local tastes and consumer preferences.
“Spain is the world’s leading producer of olive oil, a product that lies at the heart of our gastronomy,” Renedo Zalba noted, highlighting olive oil alongside traditional Spanish sweets such as turron as products that showcase Spain’s rich culinary heritage and historical ties with Arab cuisine.
The ambassador praised LuLu Hypermarket’s role as a key platform for introducing international products in Qatar. The Festival of Spain 2026, running through October 14 at LuLu outlets across the country, features Spanish merchandise, live cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions aimed at elevating consumer awareness and appreciation of Spanish food products.
Beyond the food sector, Renedo Zalba pointed to additional areas of economic cooperation, including energy, services, education, sports, and infrastructure. He affirmed that both nations are seeking to deepen collaboration and expand commercial relations across these sectors.
The festival serves not only as a promotional event for Spanish goods but also as an example of how business partnerships can support trade growth, build consumer knowledge of foreign products, and foster closer connections between producers and retail markets. The ambassador expressed gratitude for LuLu’s continued support in advancing Spanish trade interests in Qatar, emphasizing that such initiatives are instrumental in creating new avenues for business engagement between the two countries.