FAO workshop aims to build regulatory capacity to align regional trade, food safety

AMMAN — The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is holding a regional workshop on enhancing food trade in the Near East and North Africa Region in Amman from May 8-11, in cooperation with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat inaugurated the workshop in the presence of FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf and Amjad Rashaideh, head of the food directorate at the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). 

In attendance were mid-senior level officials responsible for trade, food security and food safety-related issues, from the trade, commerce and agriculture ministries, according to a FAO statement.

The workshop aims at improving government officials, national authorities and other relevant target groups’ understanding of science-based standards, transparency and traceability, as well as harmonising food safety processes and customs checks.

The workshop will explore the trade-related aspects of food safety, and examine the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid change and digitalisation, in addition to new technologies that can assist in managing food safety risks and help trade flow more smoothly.  Furthermore, discussions will explore how to ensure low- and middle-income countries can use and benefit from these tools.

In his address Hneifat said: “The Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan attaches the utmost attention to the issue of food safety with the aim of ensuring the circulation of safe and secure products for consumers. Various control methods are being applied in cooperation with all agencies and public and private sectors to ensure safe and high-quality products, which constitutes a solid barrier in the face of violating agricultural products.”

Assaf said: “Improving food safety is an essential element of improving food security, which exists when populations have access to sufficient and healthy food. At the same time, as food trade expands throughout the world, food safety has become a shared concern among both developed and developing countries.”

Rashaideh referred to the institution’s “relentless endeavour” to advance in the field and contribute to food safety and security through good planning and investing in human resources.

FAO senior economist and regional head of strategy and oolicy, Ahmad Mukhtar, highlighted the importance of a roadmap and regional action plan to harmonise regulatory standards, enhance cooperation and facilitate safe intra-regional trade.  

Food security is a major challenge in the Arab region. Agricultural production in Arab countries, which continues to be an important livelihood for many of the region’s poorest individuals, is failing to keep up with the demands for accessible and stable food supplies for the region’s burgeoning population, and the expanding population has become increasingly reliant on imported food, the statement said.