In Tashkent, Uzbekistan held discussions on the further implementation of international requirements and measures to ensure food safety with the aim of increasing the export potential of local producers.
The issues were discussed by Azizbek Urunov, Chairman of the Food Safety Committee, and Elena Butrimova, Head of the International Trade Centre's cooperation program with Eastern European and Central Asian countries.
One of the main areas of cooperation identified by the parties was the introduction of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in enterprises, as well as other international food safety management systems.
It was noted at the meeting that increasing companies' compliance with international standards should expand the opportunities for Uzbek producers to enter foreign markets and increase their export potential.
Furthermore, the parties discussed supporting food industry enterprises oriented towards exports using the opportunities of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project, which is financed by the European Union. The topic of digitalization was also addressed during the meeting.
As an example of current international cooperation, participants noted Uzbekistan's experience in phytosanitary services, where electronic phytosanitary certificates are exchanged through the international IPPC ePhyto Solution system.