Dushanbe, Tajikistan – 18 April 2025 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the two-day event, “Promoting the Food Safety Capacity of Fruits and Vegetable Producers in Central Asian Countries for Export to GCC Markets,” held on April 16-17, 2025 in Dushanbe. This landmark event brought together regional stakeholders, industry experts, and policymakers to strengthen food safety systems and enhance export opportunities for Central Asian Agro-Food producers and processors targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
The event fostered dynamic discussions on GCC market opportunities, food safety standards, digital traceability solutions, and infrastructure requirements. Participants representing the Ministry of Agriculture from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan engaged in productive sessions, including workshops on HACCP, GLOBALG.A.P., Halal certification, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. The event culminated in the development of a regional action plan and mechanism for regional collaboration to align compliance with GCC trade requirements.
Opening remarks were delivered by distinguished representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan, the Committee for Food Security, and the Export Agency of Tajikistan, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions. Keynote presentations by IOFS and ATYAB experts, including Shakhlo Atabaeva, Mr. Syed Mohsinuddin, and Dr. Syed Khaja Arifuddin, explored trade potential and compliance needs. Country presentations showcased export readiness and regulatory frameworks from Central Asian nations.
Interactive sessions on digital technologies, global food safety certification schemes, and Halal food testing methods, led by Dr. Syed Khaja Arifuddin of Atyab International Services (Sultanate of Oman), provided participants with actionable insights and technical guidance.
IOFS extends its heartfelt gratitude to its co-partners and supporting institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Committee for Food Security under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Export Agency of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Atyab International Services of the Sultanate of Oman for their technical sessions and facilitation. IOFS also acknowledges the active participation and commitment of representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan toward strengthening regional collaboration.
“We are thrilled with the outcomes of this event, which will create a strong foundation for Central Asian farmers and food processors to access GCC markets through enhanced food safety and compliance systems,” said Shakhlo Atabaeva, IOFS representative. “The collaboration with our partners and the enthusiasm of all participants have been instrumental in making this event a success.”
