On June 24 and 26, 2024, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Sukkur hosted two pivotal consultative sessions aimed at enhancing export potential and compliance with global food safety standards. These sessions brought together a diverse group of participants, including exporters, processors, traders, wholesalers, growers, and academic representatives.
Enhancing Export Standards in the Banana and Dates Sectors
The first session, held on June 24, focused on the banana and dates sectors. Organized in collaboration with the Khairpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the session aimed to address critical issues and challenges faced by exporters in these key agricultural sectors. SGS in Pakistan’s expert, Mr. Shahzaib Razzak, representing the Health & Nutrition services, delivered an insightful presentation on global food safety standards and necessary certifications for agricultural products. Key standards discussed included:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- FSSC (Food Safety System Certification)
- BRCG (British Retail Consortium Global Standards)
- Various ISO standards relevant to agricultural exports
The session provided insights into specific testing solutions required for dates and how SGS can assist exporters in meeting international standards. The timing of this session was strategically aligned with the upcoming date palm season in Khairpur, ensuring that exporters are well-prepared to meet the stringent requirements of international markets.
Participants, including leading exporters, processors, and growers, engaged actively with the SGS team, asking questions about the certification process and specific testing solutions. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from the Khairpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the importance of such awareness initiatives. The participants also requested more frequent sessions to keep them informed and prepared for export challenges.
Addressing Global Food Safety Standards and Compliance
The second session, held on June 26, expanded the discussion to a broader range of agricultural exports, including rice, fruits, vegetables, and other agro products. This session also addressed the complexities of payment methods in international trade, such as Letters of Credit (LC).
Once again, Mr. Shahzaib Razzak of SGS Pakistan led the discussion on Global Food Safety Standards, offering detailed information on the certification requirements of various importing countries. The session emphasized the critical role of SGS’s factory-level services in helping exporters comply with these standards.
A Unified Effort for Export Growth
Both sessions highlighted the importance of continuous learning and support in enhancing Pakistan’s export potential. Our participation in these events highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and providing valuable services to the national economy.
The successful conclusion of these sessions demonstrated our technical capabilities and reinforced our role as a trusted partner in ensuring the safety and reliability of agricultural exports. As exporters gear up for the upcoming date palm season, the insights and services provided by SGS in Pakistan will be instrumental in meeting international standards and driving export growth.
These consultative sessions mark a significant step towards achieving the objectives set by TDAP and the Ministry of Commerce, ensuring that Pakistan’s agricultural exports continue to thrive in global markets.
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