STDF at the Aid for Trade Global Review

Why does investing in SPS capacity matter for safe trade and sustainable development?
4 July 2019, Room D, WTO
15:15 to 16:30

Moderated by: Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Director, FAO, Geneva Office

Enhancing agricultural production and facilitating safe trade are vital for economic diversification and sustainable development. In least developed countries (LDCs) alone, agriculture accounts for up to 60% of GDP, providing employment for more people than any other sector and forming the basis for their food security, export earnings and development (FAO, 2018). Compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards can facilitate market access, value addition and diversification, yet this can be costly for many developing countries and LDCs. It requires investments to address supply side constraints including strengthening of institutions and laboratories, streamlining regulations and improving accessibility of skill-based training along value chains.

An STDF thematic session at the Aid for Trade Global Review looked at the impact of SPS capacity building on inclusive growth, highlighting experiences from the public and private sectors in Guatemala, Sri Lanka and Uganda. It also identified opportunities for developing countries to address resource constraints in building and sustaining SPS capacity.

Programme

Moderator: Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Director, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Geneva Office

Panel Discussion:

Ms. Nadia Moreira, Coordinator, National Aquatic Animal Health Programme, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, Guatemala

Mr. B. Sarada M. De Silva, Chairman, Cinnamon Training Academy of Sri Lanka

Ms. Joyce Brenda Kisingiri, Agricultural Inspector, Phytosanitary and Quarantine Inspection Services Division, Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda

Live interpretation will be provided in English, French and Spanish