Spicing-up Development Assistance

STDF UNDIO Information session

How SPS requirements triggered a transformational change in Sri Lanka's cinnamon sector 

On 21 June 2016, the STDF and UNIDO organized an information session on a joint project in Sri Lanka's cinnamon sector. The Session looked at how SPS requirements triggered a transformational change in Sri Lanka’s cinnamon sector, how registration of a Geographical Indication for Ceylon Cinnamon sparked a solid public-private partnership and how the quest for competitiveness led to improve social and economic conditions for labor.

The joint STDF/UNIDO project, implemented in collaboration with The Spice Council of Sri Lanka, focused on enhancing food safety and hygiene practices to improve market access for cinnamon, and had socio-economic spillover effects that reached far beyond its original scope. Participants heard from other countries' about similar experiences, challenges, and success factors. Moreover, during the session participants and speakers exchanged views on how to foster integrated value chain development through taking an SPS approach. 

A news story on this information session is available on the WTO website

For detailed information about the project, please visit: www.standardsfacility.org/PG-343

Programme and presentations

10.00 - 12.00, WTO - Room S2

Tuesday 21 June 2016 

Welcoming 
remarks:

Mr. David Shark, Deputy Director General, WTO

Keynote address:

H.E. R.D.S Kumararatne, Permanent Representative to WTO, Sri Lankan Mission

Main presentation:

The outcome of SPS Capacity Building for Ceylon cinnamon and Geographical Indication (GI) as its long-term goal

 

Mr. Sarada De Silva; Managing Director of the Cinnamon Training Academy
- Presentation
- Speaking notes

 

Mr. Ali Badarneh; Project Manager of UNIDO-STDF-TSC project, UNIDO

Discussants:

H.E. Gabriel Duque; Ambassador, Permanent Representative to WTO, Colombian Mission

 

Mr. Mario Matus, Deputy Director General,  WIPO

Open discussion

 

Background information

Find detailed background information here

Podcast

Listen to a podcast of the information session here.