BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19. A World Trade
Organization (WTO)-supported project helped Tajikistan strengthen
food safety standards in the honey and apricot sectors and support
exports of these products, a representative of the WTO told
Trend.


"One example is the technical and financial support provided by
the Standard and Trade Development Facility (a multi-agency
capacity-building initiative housed at the WTO) to the Government
of Tajikistan to improve food safety in honey and apricots, and
hence boost exports of these products by Tajikistan," the
representative said.


According to the WTO, the project was completed in 2022 and
delivered tangible results in improving food safety practices
across both value chains.


"The project, completed in 2022, achieved tangible results in
enhancing food safety practices in these value chains through
improved understanding and the management of veterinary drugs,
pesticides, and other contaminants," the representative noted.


The initiative focused on strengthening the management of food
safety risks and improving compliance with international standards
for agricultural products.







"By doing so, the project helped reduce the risk of
contamination in processed foods and improve food safety and
quality," the representative added.


The project was implemented through the Standard and Trade
Development Facility (STDF), a WTO-hosted partnership that supports
developing countries in meeting international sanitary and
phytosanitary requirements and enhancing their participation in
global trade.


The initiative serves as an example of how technical assistance
and capacity-building programs can help Tajikistan improve the
competitiveness of its agricultural exports while strengthening
food safety systems in key sectors of the economy.


Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is an
international organization that regulates the rules of global trade
between states. It establishes common trade standards aimed at
reducing barriers, facilitating the exchange of goods and services,
and resolving trade disputes between member countries. The WTO
plays a key role in promoting an open and predictable global
trading system.