A regional round table took place with the participation of representatives of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, to discuss plans for cooperation and develop an agreed position on promoting food safety systems for agricultural products in Central Asia.  Due to the introduced safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the round table was held online (remotely).

According to the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan, the round table participants discussed the formation of favorable institutional conditions necessary for the implementation of internationally recognized system of food safety standards for agricultural products “GlobalG.A.P.”, which covers the traceability of the full cycle of agricultural production, from the moment of purchase or production of seeds, other technical and technological resources until production moment of final products.

During the round table, an express analysis of the institutional conditions necessary for the implementation of the GlobalG.A.P. Standard in the countries of Central Asia was reportedly presented and discussed.  The analysis was prepared by the Public Organization “Union of Professional Consultants of Tajikistan”.

The round table was attended by representatives of relevant state bodies (standardization bodies, ministries of agriculture of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), international organizations and industry associations.

Funded by the European Union program "Central Asia - Invest V" and the Austrian Development Agency in cooperation with UNDP in Uzbekistan ‘Aid for Trade in Central Asia (Phase-III)’ Project, the round table was organized by the consortium "CANDY V" and headed by the International Austrian organization Hilfswerk International within the framework of the project “Regional Integration and Capacity Building to Boost Agribusiness MSMEs Competitiveness and Trade Promotion in Central Asia.”