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Thursday, 28 July 2022
16:30-17:30 CET
Watch the session recording HERE
Aligning to international standards is key to strengthening agri-food value chains – an action that directly supports farmers, processers and exporters in developing countries.
That was the recurring message from trade experts at the 8th Aid for Trade Global Review session on "Improving quality along agri-food value chains in Africa for market access" on 28 July. The session was jointly organized by the Directorate General of the French Treasury and the STDF.
Following international sanitary and phytosanitary standards enables countries to monitor and control animal diseases and plant pests, improve food safety and increase productivity, opening the path to new international and regional markets. Compliance with international standards has a positive impact on domestic markets, reducing costs and creating economies of scale, which is the case in Kenya, Senegal and other countries. Harmonizing production rules along value chains improves traceability and quality control, leading to stronger relationships with trading partners.
Key to standards compliance is public-private partnerships. Government and business will have to work together, with clearly defined roles and objectives, to see change across the board, with the business community playing a leading role in creating jobs and stimulating innovation.
For more details, see the background note.
PROGRAMME
16:30 – 16:35 Session opening
H.E. Mr. Fodé Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations
16:35 – 17:15 Roundtable
Moderator:
M. Anne Chetaille, French Development Agency (AFD)
Speakers:
Mr. Mikael Oliveira Linder, Researcher, Agricultural Research Center for International Development (Cirad)
Mr. Elimane Dramé, CEO, SCPL Deli-Cajou
Mr. Bimal Kantaria, Chair, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET)
Mr. Melvin Spreij, Head, Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Secretariat
17:25 – 17:30 Closing remarks
Mr. Etienne Oudot De Dainville, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of France to the WTO