Export quality management training for food sector in Tajikistan

Supermarkets require a high standard of food quality in order for their consumers to buy high-quality goods, such as honey and dried apricots. The International Trade Centre (ITC) supports these sectors in Tajikistan. As part of that program, Globally Cool developed a tailormade training for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) active in these sectors. The training focused on the European market and where possible beyond that.

The goal was to give Tajik exporters a head-start on export quality management and related topics. Along with relevant quality infrastructure organisations (NQI institutes), and Business Support Organisations (BSOs), we contributed to a three-day virtual training session. More than 20 people attended the European market access requirement training sessions to learn the ins and outs of their specific products.

Activities

We prepared custom training materials for the honey and dried apricots sector. During the three-day virtual workshop, we conducted a mixture of presentations and assignments. We guided the participants in:

• Identifying the main quality standards impacting their export potential.
• Finding and using key sources of relevant information on European quality standards.
• Determining where they stand at the moment.
• Experiencing how quality infrastructure and business support networks can help them.

Results

The training participants improved their understanding of export market requirements. Also, they got an introduction to tools to get information on these requirements. The trainers also advised the participants on legal and regulatory issues in main export markets in Europe. By bringing relevant BSOs and NQI institutes from Tajikistan together, the participants got a better understanding of how they can collaborate, supporting each other and the private sector in Tajikistan.