OSCE helps Tajikistan implement WTO trade agreement

DUSHANBE, 23 August 2013 – An OSCE-facilitated roundtable meeting on strengthening food safety control and upgrading preparation for the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) in Tajikistan, was completed today in Dushanbe.

Practitioners and policymakers from the Agricultural Ministry, the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Services, and other competent authorities including representatives of relevant national and international organizations discussed the  importance of upgrading national food safety systems and the development of international and cross-border trade.

”The trade potential of the Republic of Tajikistan continues to be negatively influenced by a number of animal and plant diseases, recognised by the WTO reference organizations as a threat to health and food safety,” said George Sand, Economic Office at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. “Our office continues to build upon its long-lasting and productive partnership with the Tajikistan’s government in an effort to support trade opportunities and economic growth.”

Tajikistan became a full member of the World Trade Organization in March 2013.