Kenya Association of Manufacturers’ Post

A packed house and a spirited discussion: our event “Agrifood Innovation: Unlocking Trade Solutions” held jointly with Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA) at #MC13 in Abu Dhabi saw key delegates join IICA Deputy Director General Lloyd Day and CropLife International CEO Emily Rees to tackle head-on some of the thorniest challenges facing trade in the agri-food sector – and even find some common ground on required solutions.   Speaking under Chatham House Rules, our extraordinary panel addressed the role of the #WTO in global food security, farmer access to innovation and markets, and the role of standard-setting organizations such as #Codex Alimentarius under the WTO’s SPS Agreement. Noting the severe disruption of global agricultural trade as a result of the pandemic, conflict and climate change, panelists focused on the role of the WTO and rules-based trade in helping ensure that farmers have access to new agricultural innovations. As a proven solution to food security and sustainable productivity growth, international trade plays a vital role in their deployment.    The outcomes? Strong support for multilateralism and the need for science-based transparent and predictable rules to create market certainty while assuring food safety. #SPS decisions based on risk were highlighted as a prerequisite to maintain, as was trade as a facilitator for incentivizing innovation. A powerful segue into the agricultural and trade discussions to come.   Our thanks to our co-hosts and speakers for a stand-out discussion adding vision and substance to the ongoing dialogue:   Lloyd Day, IICA Tayutic Mena of Costa Rica, Chair of the SPS Committee Sofia Boza, Ambassador Permanent Representative to the WTO of Chile Martin Alvez Lemos, Minister Counsellor at Mission of Uruguay to the WTO Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Julio Ramos, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and International Relations for Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil Brodie Berrigan, World Farmers’ Organization Gloria Abraham, IICA

Long-term viability of agricultural ecosystems can only be achieved through education, sustainable practices, and sustained economic growth. Or, as we like to say, if you have questions about maximizing your returns when exporting your fruit to Europe, we are here to answer them. -- SAFTA facilitates fruit exporters' access to European markets through a network of trusted cold chain partners who subscribe to our principles of fairness and transparency. Want to find out more? We are one DM away 💬 #fruitexport #europeanmarkets #coldchainlogistics

Unlocking Agricultural Trade: Indonesia’s Call for Action at WTO KTM13 #AgriculturalTrade #WorldTradeOrganization #KTM13 #PublicStockholding #FoodSecurity #Small-scaleFarmers #GlobalTradeNegotiations #WTOMinisterialConference In the recent KTM13 meeting, Djatmiko highlights the importance of consolidating positions within the G33 group, comprising agricultural-producing nations, to push for permanent solutions to the PSH issue while securing special flexibilities for developing countries in WTO agreements. In the dynamic arena of global trade discussions, the […] https://lnkd.in/eNZGi4gE

Trade Policy Advisory Board (TPAB), established four months ago and chaired by Dr SOK Siphana, has been proactively exploring various aspects of Cambodian trade. TPAB accomplishments in four months: • Explored potential Cambodian agricultural crops, including Cashew nut, Rubber, etc. • Discussed Cambodian tax system and its digitalization. • Discussed Cambodian logistics and transportation system • Discussed Apparel, Footwear, and Travel Goods industry. • Conducted comprehensive studies on FTAs, including RCEP and CPTPP. • Examined challenges and prospects in a de-globalized world. • Prepared three Aide Memoires for Samdech Thipadei on business opportunities and cooperation with Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. • Provided comprehensive policy recommendations on Cashew Industrial Park (CIP) to expedite the execution of the National Cashew Policy. • Paved the way for further cooperation with WTO, ITC, EIF, UNCTAD, WAIPA, China, UK, and Saudi Arabia. • Raised awareness on emerging trade issues • Promoted Economic and Cultural Diplomacy TPAB’s next focus: • Explore Trade in Data, Carbon Credits, and climate change. • Further promote processing of potential Cambodian agricultural crops.

Small and medium-sized exporters continue to have difficulties, such as dependence on European importers incentivized to lower prices and the complexity of European regulations. These obstacles highlight the need for continued support from organizations like SAFTA. If you are interested, you can contact us at DM to schedule a meeting. We are here to help you!🥑 🍋 🍌 🍇 #europeanmarket #export #exportfruits

INDIA-NEW ZEALAND A delegation led by Commerce Secretary Mr. Sunil Barthwal conducted constructive meetings in New Zealand from 26-27 April 2024, aimed at deepening bilateral relations. Discussions with key stakeholders, including New Zealand's Minister for Trade and officials, focused on enhancing economic ties. Both parties acknowledged the vast potential for increasing trade and people-to-people contacts, particularly in sectors like agriculture, food processing, forestry, and pharmaceuticals. The meetings addressed market access issues, non-tariff barriers, and sanitary measures on specific products, with commitments to resolve these through dialogue. Emphasis was placed on strengthening the services sector, including hospitality, nursing, and tele-medicine, to facilitate business-to-business and people-to-people connections. Collaboration in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, digital trade, and engagement in global platforms like the WTO and G20 were also discussed to foster economic cooperation and address shared challenges. Opportunities for joint initiatives in areas like horticulture, dairy, and digital trade were explored, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international trading system. Discussions also included cooperation within platforms such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to leverage economic opportunities effectively. Overall, the meetings marked a significant step in strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration between India and New Zealand.

Today we presented to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth’s crucial public hearing for its Inquiry into the utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities from trade, including under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Under the banner of Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), our chair and ADIC deputy chair John Williams highlighted the importance of FTAs in expanding the sector's reach and supporting economic growth. Dairy is Australia's third largest rural industry, contributing $6.1 billion at the farmgate and employing almost 33,500 people across farms and processing. In 2023, 30 per cent of milk production was exported, valued at about $3.7 billion. Australia ranks 5th in world dairy trade, holding a 5 per cent market share, and FTAs play a critical role in driving growth. The 18 FTAs already in place help Australian dairy exports reach global markets, from Asia to the Middle East. Our key recommendations for continued success are: 🌏 Secure commercially meaningful outcomes in ongoing FTA negotiations. 🌏 Conduct regular reviews of FTAs to ensure Australia remains competitive. 🌏 Push for improvements in market access, including Taiwan and Japan. 🌏 Engage in strategic negotiations to protect national interests while seeking new trading opportunities. With rising demand, particularly in Asia, Australia’s dairy industry is well-positioned to leverage these agreements for sustainable growth and stronger global ties. Read our submission in full: https://lnkd.in/gkc3MaXz Janine Waller Kristin Favaloro Dairy Australia

1/ #Agricultural trade plays a critical role in achieving economic and social goals, yet it remains the most shielded off industries to cross-border exchange. Finding the most efficient paths to facilitate the free flow of agricultural products needs to be a priority for policymakers worldwide. In a major paper co-commissioned by The Commonwealth Secretariat and Hinrich Foundation , Michael Plummer from The Johns Hopkins University takes a deep look at how trade can raise agricultural productivity, provide for #foodsecurity, and facilitate development in an age of rising #protectionism. Check out the rest of the thread to read some snippets and download the paper here: https://buff.ly/3TEZoRY 2/ "International trade in agriculture boosts consumer welfare by allowing access to a greater variety of food products for consumers at a lower price. It improves domestic supply via more efficient inputs for agricultural production along the value chain and new technologies. Countries that are not well-endowed with efficient agriculture-related endowments benefit through imports, and #agriculturalexports can gain by selling goods abroad at a higher price and exploiting economies of scale. A global market offers greater incentives for investments in food-related research and, hence, higher productivity growth." (Pg. 7) 3/ "Food products account for approximately 11% of total imports of the 14 #LDCs and 33 Small States of the Commonwealth. Even in middle-income Pakistan, almost 70% of the population is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural production, and the share of food imports in its total imports was 16% in 2023 and, in the past, has been as high as 30%. Therefore, geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russian war on Ukraine, periods of international food price spikes, and cycles of increases in agricultural protection through, for example, #exportrestrictions tend to affect significantly these vulnerable low-income and small states most. Reactive trade policy is often behind these shocks." (P. 16) https://buff.ly/3TER6d0 4/ "Tariff levels within Commonwealth markets tend to be high: the average tariff on imports valued at more than US$1 billion, constituting fully two-thirds of total subregional imports, is 14%. Reductions in these #tariffs could boost food consumption considerably in some economies as well as benefit household expenditures in general. Tariff levels in the 10 net food importing Commonwealth countries that are also LDCs tend to be higher than average, and these countries could gain the most in terms of food security through tariff liberalization." (P. 36)

EABC and AGRA Partner to Boost Intra-EAC Agri-Food Trade The East African Business Council (EABC) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have launched a new initiative aimed at promoting agri-food cross-border trade within the East African Community (EAC). The project, titled “Promoting Intra-EAC AgriFood Cross-Border Trade by Tackling Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs),” focuses on increasing the participation of women and youth-led traders while improving the trade of key agricultural products such as maize, rice, beans, and horticulture. The three-year initiative will empower over 2,400 youth and women-led cross-border traders by addressing the challenges of NTBs, reducing trading costs and time, and promoting the use of trade facilitation tools like the Simplified Trade Regime (STR). With $399,900 in funding from AGRA, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project will establish digital trade information booths at key border points and build the capacity of traders to report NTBs and access vital market information. The project, implemented in collaboration with the TANZANIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE (TCCIA), will facilitate public-private dialogues and develop an EAC NTB Index to monitor progress. Targeted trade corridors include Taveta and Holili, Malaba and Busia, and Kibirizi and Tunduma, among others. The initiative aims to boost food security, employment, and income for farmers and traders across East Africa. #EABC #AGRA #IntraEACTrade #WomenInTrade #YouthEmpowerment

Fruit SA depends on government support for market access, export growth, and transformation. CEO Fhumulani Ratshitanga urges government leaders to intervene decisively to propel the industry forward. Fhumulani Mashau Ratshitanga https://lnkd.in/dHNesVqB