FAO Boosts Uganda’s Export Standards
Jul 07, 2003
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has extended to Government a US$312,000 (about sh600m) as technical assistance for strengthening hygiene and quality standards for export products.
By Edris Kisambira
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has extended to Government a US$312,000 (about sh600m) as technical assistance for strengthening hygiene and quality standards for export products.
Chris Kassami, the finance, planning and economic development ministry permanent secretary, said the fund would be used to help carry out phyto-sanitary or pest risk analysis, inspection and certification so as to reduce food export loss.
The agreement was signed yesterday at the ministry boardroom. Kassami signed on behalf of the Government and Ajmal Qureshi, the FAO country representative, signed for the food agency.
He said the assistance is aimed at strengthening phyto-sanitary capabilities in the country, which at the moment are in their infancy and are over-stretched.
The European Union (EU) has set up an importers’ consortium that is demanding for standards and compliance with pesticide regulations.
The Uganda Export Promotions Board, however, argues that the standards require high investment costs and facilitation, which the private sector cannot meet on their own. The exporters last week asked for government assistance.
Ends
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has extended to Government a US$312,000 (about sh600m) as technical assistance for strengthening hygiene and quality standards for export products.
Chris Kassami, the finance, planning and economic development ministry permanent secretary, said the fund would be used to help carry out phyto-sanitary or pest risk analysis, inspection and certification so as to reduce food export loss.
The agreement was signed yesterday at the ministry boardroom. Kassami signed on behalf of the Government and Ajmal Qureshi, the FAO country representative, signed for the food agency.
He said the assistance is aimed at strengthening phyto-sanitary capabilities in the country, which at the moment are in their infancy and are over-stretched.
The European Union (EU) has set up an importers’ consortium that is demanding for standards and compliance with pesticide regulations.
The Uganda Export Promotions Board, however, argues that the standards require high investment costs and facilitation, which the private sector cannot meet on their own. The exporters last week asked for government assistance.
Ends