Fish Export to EU Fosters Improved Fishermen's - TRTA Pakistan

12 Pages·2013·3.53 MB·English

Vol.3; Issue 1
Quarterly Newsletter
Trade Time
Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) Programme March 2013
FFiisshh EExxppoorrtt ttoo EEUU
FFoosstteerrss IImmpprroovveedd
In This Issue:
FFiisshheerrmmeenn’’ss
Message Corner 2
Highlights 3 LLiivveelliihhoooodd
Policy Interventions 5
Institutional Capacity
Development 6
Sectoral Support 8
Stakeholders’ Forum 10
Links & Resources 11
Press Coverage 12
Upcoming Events and
Announcements 12
Marketers from Pakistan will, however, face a Dutch markets and fish to the English market,
Editorial major challenge when trying to understand particularly because it  abounds a number of
the changes which have occurred in the EU commercially viable products which hold
market, in terms of both size and segmenta- great appeal in markets around the world.
tion, during the lag period. The key to effec- Fishery not only plays an important role in
tive targeting lies in knowing just how valuable Pakistan's economy but it also provides
specific consumer groups are and then livelihood for the fishermen. In the export
translating consumer’s trends in quantitative trade, the price moves from the international
Dr. Nasim Akhtar
term. Moreover, during the global financial market via the exporter to the lowest actor in
Editor and
crisis of 2008–2009, the EU retail market was the chain—the fisherman as the final price
Sector Expert Fisheries
able to cope by increasing the number of taker. Hence, a trickledown effect of Paki-
TRTA II Programme, UNIDO
discounts and the use of own-brand products, stan’s seafood access to the EU market fosters
including that for fish products. In the post an improvement in their livelihood as well. But
recession period, the consumer confidence remember, he is also highly prone to risk of a
E
videntiary documents and assurances has also been increasing proportionate to poor catch due to availability or accessibility
thereof from Competent Authority (CA) economic recovery. of fish. The declining wild catches in Pakistan
in Pakistan,  guaranteeing strict compli- Despite sanctions, the seafood exports kept are forecasting reduction in supply for export
ance of international quality standards for on picking up as marketers made inroads in as well as domestic markets.  India coped
export quality seafood, leaving no complaint new markets in Dubai, Middle East countries with the same situation by expanding its
for European importers,  has enabled Pakistan and China, which have now become long- aquaculture; today, about half of its fishery
to exploit lucrative European Union (EU) lasting and major markets.  Nevertheless, exports originate from aquaculture. Pakistan
markets once again after a seven year lapse. Pakistan’s export figures, prior to the sanc- too can avail itself of opportunities offered by
The EU is by far, the world’s biggest importer of tions, show good potential for supplying aquaculture for bringing sustainability in
seafood and aquaculture products. The Fish Pakistani prawns  to the Belgian, German and supply chain. 
WIPO
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
2
Message from
Economic Minister, Pakistan Embassy, Belgium
The European Union (EU) has resumed imports of seafood from Pakistan, ending
a six-year suspension that came into effect in 2007, when EU Food and
Veterinary Office [FVO] Inspectors visited Pakistan; they identified “serious
deficiencies” in the hygienic conditions of the fisheries establishments and
facilities in Pakistan. Consequently, the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), in its
capacity as Competent Authority (CA), delisted all establishments of Pakistan
for exporting fisheries products to the EU. Immediately thereafter, the
Government of Pakistan in coordination with various stakeholders initiated a
series of measures to address various deficiencies receiving invaluable
assistance and support from the EU funded Trade Related Technical Assistance
[TRTA II] programme. This programme has helped various Pakistani
establishments and institutions fulfill EU standards for seafood exports by
upgrading auction halls and fishing boats; training fishermen and inspectors
and; establishing some state of the art laboratories.

Last year, the MFD as CA recommended two fisheries establishments to the EU
for enlistment after ensuring that these companies are fully compliant with EU
Sanitary and Photo-Sanitary [SPS] regulations and quality standards.
Subsequently, the EU has permitted both these establishments to export seafood
to EU from 12th March 2013.

During the decision making process of EU throughout, the Pakistan Embassy
in Brussels interacted intensively with officials of DG SANCO, inter-alia, they
Mr. Qasim Niaz reviewed empirical evidences provided by the CA on the implementation
Economic Minister status of public health and residue control requirement in fish and fisheries
Pakistan Embassy, Brussels, Belgium products along the entire supply chain. Our team in the Embassy at Brussels
actively facilitated the CA of Pakistan in respondingto the queries raised by
DG, SANCO relating to SPS.
The opening of fish export to the EU has special significance as the EU is already
Pakistan’s leading trading partner. This breakthrough will greatly support an
important objective of Pakistan’s trade policy i.e. to diversify Pakistan’s export
portfolio away from its present heavy reliance on textiles. This decision will
support Pakistan’s economy and it represents strong politicalsupport from EU
member countries for Pakistan. In my view the recent statement by the EU
ambassador to Pakistan, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark was very apt: “this is a real
breakthrough that should also inspire other industries in Pakistan to increase their
exports to EU markets”.

This was an issue that I as Economic Minister in the Pakistan Embassy in Brussels
have been working with consistently since the very beginning of my tenure and it
gives me great satisfaction to witness this positive outcome for Pakistan’s trade
and development. To me, this indeed is a tangible result of the excellent state of
EU-Pakistan relations. I am also greatly appreciative of the cooperative attitude
and support I experienced in my interaction with officials of the European
Commission on this subject. We, as members of Pakistan's diplomatic mission in
Brussels, also clearly recognize the technical assistance by international and
national experts of the TRTA Programme and appreciate the role of the MFD;
newly listed establishments for EU export, Karachi Fish Harbor Authority and
Government of Sindh in achieving our shared objective.

In conclusion, I feel that this positive certification by the EU will also serve to as-
sure all our trading partners that our seafood now meets the highest standards
which in turn will result in greater global demand for our products. I hope that
all stakeholders in Pakistan will take pride in this achievement and will continue
to work jointly to maintain the required standards.
W I P O
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
3
HIGHLIGHTS
Donors Coordination for Higher Impact on Trade Development
The creation of the Donor Coordination forum for trade Speaking on the occasion Mr. Munir Qureshi, Secretary Director PITAD explained that to hold the working
development of Pakistan is an outcome of the initiative MoC, said that “Donors have generously supported the sessions of the forum, focal points from donor agencies
undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), PITAD MoC, different agencies in the Government of Pakistan need to be appointed for consistency and effective role of
and TRTA II Programme. The first meeting of this august and other stakeholders with analysis on trade issues and the subgroups.
forum was jointly organized in Islamabad on 8 February subsequent recommendation on mechanism how to cope Mr. Berend De Groot, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation
2013. Earlier PITAD, with support by PMO has collected with those and emerging issues”. The Donor Coordination to Pakistan, emphasized that the launch of this forum
data on activities of 21 donors working in the area of forum is aimed at providing a mechanism whereby sub indicates that Pakistan’s government highly values the
trade. The launching of Donor Coordination forum for groups in focus areas will be constituted so as to contribution of donors and that now the task is to make
trade development by the Government of Pakistan is the streamline knowledge sharing among the development this forum effectively useful by setting precise agenda,
first step for both GoP and the donors to be able to effi- partners, build synergies, avoid overlaps and to promote themes and focused meetings.
ciently synchronize the resources which are marked for coordination and meaningful collaboration in Pakistan’s Presentations were given by the donor agencies, on their
the trade development in Pakistan. economic development process. Mr. Kausar Ali Zaidi, trade related projects, including: the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), the United States
Agency for International Develop-
ment (USAID), The World Bank (WB),
International Labour Organiza-
tion (ILO), the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), the
Australian Pakistan Agriculture
Sector Linkages Programme (ASLP),
AUSAID, the International Finance
Corporation (IFC), the International
Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD), the French Development
Agency (AFD), the Royal Embassy of
Saudi Arabia, representatives of the
Economic Affairs Division, and the
Development Adviser EU Delegation
to Pakistan. The TRTA II programme
experts also participated in the first
Donor Coordination meeting on
Participants of the Donor Coordination meeting with the co-chairs of the meeting; Mr. Munir Qureshi, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, (10th from left)
Trade Development.
and Mr. Berend De Groot, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan, (11th from left)
Mr. Pierre Mayaudon, Deputy Ambassador, EU
EU Delegation Lauds Stakeholders’ Efforts in
Delegation to Pakistan, and Mr. Husnain Iftikhar, Sr. Trade
Advisor, EU Delegation to Pakistan, visited the Karachi
Resumption of Seafood Exports
Fish Harbour (KFH) and the Marine Fisheries Department
(MFD), Karachi. They also visited and reviewed the two
seafood companies, M/s Akhlaq Enterprises and M/s AG economy. Mr. Mayaudon said that, in his opinion, hoped that more seafood companies would also be re-
Fisheries, which have been re-listed by the EU for the clearance by the EU represents both a trust of Pakistan’s listed, provided that they comply with the EU standards.
export of fisheries and seafood products to the EU seafood and the value that
member countries. During the visit the delegation saw the EU holds for Pakistani
the modifications made to up-grade the fishing boats. people and the people
Mr. Shaukat Hussain, DG, MFD gave a briefing on the around the world to whom
steps taken for the improvement of the KFH by the we export the seafood. Mr.
Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KFHA) and other Mayaudon termed his visit
stakeholders. very successful and
A meeting of all stakeholders was also held at the KFHA appreciated the arrange-
which was presided over by Mr. Abdul Ghani Jokhio, ments made by the various
Managing Director, KFHA. He said in the meeting that stakeholders for the
lifting of EU import restrictions is a result of joint effort betterment of KFH. In
from all stakeholders, particularly KFHA, Sindh particular, he acknowledged
Government and MFD, who, among other efforts, the consistent technical
convinced all the actors involved in fisheries sector to support by the EU funded
bring the catch up to global safety standards. Mr. Iftikhar TRTA II programme in
Zaidi, President, Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Associa- enabling Pakistan’s
tion, representatives of MFD, FCS, and STOFA, as well as institutions and establish-
bonafide fishermen, moleholders, and boat builders ments to meet the EU
were present in the meeting. The consensus at the standards. He described the
meeting was that the opening of seafood export to the re-listing of the two
EU certainly is a major breakthrough, which will increase aforementioned companies
overall export and help stabilizing the Pakistan’s as a good development and Mr. Pierre Mayaudon, Deputy Ambassador, EU Delegation to Pakistan and
Mr. Husnain Iftikhar, Sr. Trade Adviser, EU Delegation to Pakistan during their visit to MFD
W I P O
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
4
HIGHLIGHTS
Enhancing Competitiveness for Trade
Mr. Bruno Valanzuolo
with India Urged
Joins TRTA II Programme as
Chief Technical Advisor A Public Private Dialogue (PPD), titled “Enhancing under the programme were presented; first focusing
Competitive and Export Potential for Trade with India in on improving trade in the industrial sector and second
the Light of Improved Trade Relations and Full in the agriculture sector.
Implementation of SAFTA” was held under Component It emerged during the ensuing discussion that Pakistan
1 in Lahore on 16 January 2013 in association with the has a comparative advantage in some of the industrial
Punjab Department of Investment, Commerce and sectors where she can enhance exports to India by
Industries (IC&I), the Trade Development Authority of putting in place a proper regulatory and policy reform.
Pakistan and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and In contrast, the agriculture sector highlighted the
Industries (LCCI). The PPD was attended by 141 imbalance between the sector in the two countries.
stakeholders from both public / private sectors as well The high level of subsidies, available to the Indian
as civil society, which demonstrated the enhanced agriculture sector, which puts Pakistan at a disadvant-
confidence of stakeholders in the process. ageous position, was particularly stressed. It was urged
The inaugural session was chaired by the Senior Vice that a level playing field should be provided to the
President of the LCCI while Ms. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha agriculture sector by the Pakistan’s government.
chaired the closing session. The
technical session was chaired by
Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Additional
Secretary, Ministry of National
Food Security and Research. The
notable discussants included
Secretaries of the Punjab
Departments of Livestock & Dairy
Bruno hails from Italy and is a graduate in Political Science.
Development and IC&I, as well as
Living in Asia since 1998, he is familiar with the
the Vice Presidents of FPCCI and
developmental environment of the region.
SAARC Chamber of Commerce,
Having worked in trading and business management within
heads of departments, heads of
the private sector for over 30 years and more recently in
MNCs like Nestle and Toyota,
development projects with UNIDO, Bruno brings a rich and
presidents of chambers and
diverse international experience to the TRTA II Programme.
chairmen/ representatives of
He is married with two children. Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of National Food
various associations.
Security and Research, addressing the PPD on “Trade with India in
Two research studies carried out the Light of Improved Trade Relations and Full Implementation of SAFTA”
Government Adopts Programme Steering Committee Reiterates its
Recommendations of PPDs Confidence in TRTA II Programme
An important result generated by Component 1 of the TRTA II programme, The Programme Steering Committee (PSC) of the EU funded TRTA II Programme commenced
implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), is the inclusion of policy its fifth meeting on 28 March 2012 in Islamabad and reviewed the progress made under the
recommendations in the recently announced Ministry of Commerce Strategic three components of the programme for the period June 2012 - January 2013. The
Trade Policy Framework (STPF 2012-15). These recommendations include a PSC members showed their satisfaction over the pace of work in the programme, endorsing
number of trade policy recommendations and were generated as a result of the programme’s anticipated implementation outlook.
Public Private Dialogues (PPDs) held in 2011. Among these initiatives are the
following listed below:
• The STPF is focused on Regional trade including ECO countries as
suggested by the PPD on trade with ECO countries.
• Under the land port authority entry points would be transformed into
integrated check points under an integrated complex. For this purpose
infrastructure facilities would be upgraded where needed.
• Establishment of the Services Trade Development Council.
• Setting up of task force for facilitating development of E-Commerce.
• Strengthening of training and product development Institutes. Mr. Berend De Groot, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan, and Mr. Sajjad Ahmed,
• Overhaul trade offices abroad trade officers’ manual would be updated. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Co-chairing of the PSC meeting
• Encouraging the opening of retail outlets (PPD suggested the opening of Two short video documentaries featured in the PSC meeting, one on steps that led to the
display centres). opening of EU markets for fish import and the other regarding mango export to Chinese
• Marketing development assistance for regional countries (Market markets. The PSC considered resumption of seafood export to the EU, after many years, as a
research, support to non-traditional exports and support to the marketing major breakthrough and similarly, considered the entry of mango in to the Chinese market
efforts of the private sector etc.) as a stepping mile-stone.
• Strengthening the research and out-reach capacity of women in the Mr. Berend De Groot, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan hinted at a one-year
Chamber of Commerce (PPDs proposed strengthening of the research extension of the TRTA II programme beyond its current time period. Mr. Sajjad Ahmed, Ad-
and out-reach capacity of selected chambers of commerce and Industry. ditional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and who is also the Co-chair of the PSC ended the
meeting on a positive note underlining the progress of the TRTA II Programme.
W I P O
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
5
POLICY INTERVENTIONS
Taking the process forward towards a finalization of a
National Quality Policy Development Process Excels Further
working draft of the National Quality Policy (NQP), the
Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) organized the
NQP Discussion Workshop on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 in
services in the past but each needs
Islamabad in collaboration with the EU funded Trade
radical organizational changes. The
Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) programme. The
National Quality Policy shall,
MoST initiated the development of a National Quality Policy
therefore, opportune for the whole
at the end of 2012 with the support of the TRTA II
system in Pakistan to be reviewed,
programme and in this regard, specialised Focus Group
measured against international
meetings were held earlier in Karachi and Lahore, which
good practices, and where found
were followed by a National Quality Forum in Islamabad.
wanting, re-engineered.
These meetings identified the major challenges and issues,
Mr. Martin Kellermann, TRTA II
constituting a framework for this NQP Discussion Workshop.
International Expert said that Pakistan
The stakeholders attending this consultative workshop
has started the journey to develop a
discussed, in-depth, the identified challenges and proposed
new NQP. It must now complete the
a rational way forward with an intent to deliberate upon
journey. International recognition is
issues that could be made part of the 1st Working Draft of
non negotiable; we have realities in
the NQP.
the country. “We need to cater
Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed Tarar, Secretary, Ministry of Science and
cognizance of that and for that we
Technology, stated on this occasion that traditionally
need to find a way forward”, he said.
conformity assessment services are provided by public and Participants of the workshop during the discussions on
private sector inspection, testing and certification “National Quality Policy” The outcome of this workshop shall
provide the NQP drafting team with
organizations. They are supported by a metrology institute National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) and that, in Pakistan,
some in-depth recommendations for the stakeholders. This
that ensures calibrated measuring equipment, a standards the NQI does not meet these requirements and battles to
workshop also paves way for the 2nd Focus Group meeting
body that publishes standards and an accreditation body that gain international recognition. Organizations such as the
which is scheduled for July 2013, in which the final draft of
determines their technical competency. He further said that PSQCA, the PNAC and the NPSL, which are under the
the National Quality Policy will be considered.
the collection of these institutions is collectively known as the Ministry of Science and Technology may have provided useful
Analytical Paper: TRTA II to Assist MoC in Conducting
Utility Model Protection in Pakistan Trade Policy Research: PPDSC Decides
The intellectual property (IP) protection individual inventors, a quicker and cheaper The TRTA II programme will assist the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) in
instruments currently available in Pakistan in- mechanism of obtaining an IP right. This type of policy research on some of the initiatives contained in the recently
clude Patents, Industrial Designs, Trademarks protection is currently available in about 60 announced three-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2012-
and Copyright. To strengthen the IP legislative countries. 15. A meeting of the Public Private Dialogue Steering Committee
framework and extend it beyond the existing Under the TRTA II Programme, the initiative has (PPDSC) established by the Ministry of Commerce under Component 1
rights, work has been undertaken in recent years been taken to examine the issues involved in of the TRTA II programme to hold public private dialogues on specific
by national authorities to formulate new IP laws opting for Utility Model protection. An analytic trade policy issues and commission policy research studies was held in
for the protection of geographical indications Paper has been prepared on the possible the Ministry’s committee room on 07 March 2013. The committee is co-
(GIs) and Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBRs). elements for Utility Model protection in Pakistan, chaired by the Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce and the
keeping in mind the country’s level of Director General of the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development with
economic and technological development. equal representation from both public and private sectors.
The Paper combines legal and economic Recently, the Ministry of Commerce has announced STPF 2012-15 in
analysis, including comparative study of which the policy principles and initiatives for increasing Pakistan’s
Utility Model protection systems in other exports and domestic commerce have been announced. The PPDSC
countries, and takes into account feedback agreed to assist the Ministry of Commerce in conducting policy research
from relevant private and public to complement the government initiatives.
stakeholders in the country. It discusses the In their remarks the participants hailed the process of public private
elements of a tailored Utility Model system consultation and stressed the need for a greater participation of all the
Discussion with relevant stakeholders on suited to the needs of Pakistan. In doing so, stakeholders in the process. The Director General of PITAD underscored
contents of the Paper in progress it addresses several issues, such as: that ten policy recommendations submitted by the PPDSC to the
In addition, there is growing interest to add Utility registration versus examination system; scope of government as a result of public-private consultation processes held in
Model protection to the Pakistani IP landscape to Utility Model protection; exceptions and 2011 have been included in the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-
encourage incremental innovation. A number of limitations; checks and balances in the 15 announced recently by the Ministry of Commerce. He commented
small inventions being created in the country, enforcement system; and alternatives to Utility that “research based policy inputs and participatory approach in the
typically in the light engineering sector, do not Model protection in Pakistan’s context. process of trade policy can put the country back on track of
qualify for patent protection, as they do not Discussions have been held with relevant development”.
embody the required level of technical stakeholders on the contents of the Paper. It is The Ministry of Commerce acknowledged that the public private
improvements. Such inventions are, nevertheless, expected that the Paper, and the related consultation processes carried out under the TRTA II programme may
important since they are a source of incremental consultations with stakeholders, shall enable IPO- dovetail with the initiatives launched and the objective pursued by the
innovation. These inventions can qualify for Utility Pakistan to prepare a brief on the possibility of government under the STPF 2012-15.
Model protection. Typically, this type of establishing a Utility Model protection system. The Committee recommended Technology foresight, Domestic
protection has a simple registration procedure The brief would be submitted to the national Commerce, Regional Integration (review of specific FTAs/PTAs) and an
with minimal or no substantive examination. As authorities for their consideration and further analysis of competitiveness of the key sectors for public private
such, it offers SMEs, micro enterprises and action. consultation processes during 2013.
W I P O
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
6
INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Hands-on Training in International Testing and First POPs (Dioxin, PAHs, PCBs) Lab
Calibration Processes in Pakistan
In an effort to promote the transition towards sustainable economic development in developing Pakistan lacked POPs analytical testing capabilities like other countries in
and in-transition countries by improving the Quality infrastructure and laboratory quality the region. POPs contamination is one of the major threats for seafood
management of businesses and other organizations, the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) of security which is the reason why the EU commission has decided to lift its
Sri Lanka conducted a ten days hands-on training for the Quality Managers and Microbiologists restrictions on Pakistani fishery export to the EU provided that all fisheries
from Pakistan focusing on implementation of laboratory quality management system in products are POPs contamination free. In reality the Karachi Laboratories
conformity with ISO 17025:2005 standard for testing laboratories. Complex (KLC) has been providing testing services for pesticides and PCBs
The training programme, which was held from 18th March to 29th March 2013 in collaboration residues for the past twenty years thus monitoring a big range of POPs:
with the TRTA II Programme, provided the participants with much needed exposure interacting however, a number of POPs (such as dioxin-like substances covered by the
with the ITI scientists and laboratory staff who have achieved International Accreditation status Stockholm Convention) remained untested due to the lack of certain
for their laboratories since 2002. The study tour was planned on the advice of the TRTA II specific facilities at the KLC.
International Expert on Laboratory Accreditation, Dr. Upali Samarajeewa. The ITI has already Recognizing the need to build the national capacity for testing POPs, the
trained four batches of Pakistan Scientists in the field of Laboratory Accreditation since 2005. The three organizations viz Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) /PCSIR,
other groups of scientists from Vietnam, Nigeria, West Africa and Laos (through UNIDO) and KLC and TRTA II Programme experts joined hands for the establishment of
Maldives have also been trained by ITI earlier and from time to time. the first ever lab in Pakistan for testing POPs at KLC as per standards to
certify for ISO ISO-17025 accreditation. PCSIR, through its efforts with the
MoST was able to sanction the necessary funds (Rs. 2.4 million) to help the
KLC establishes this state of the art POPs testing lab.
Information about available facilities/equipment for testing of dioxins,
PCBs, PAHs etc. at the KLC, including the test methods and equipment used
as well as the testing protocols for trace metals as per international
standard were provided to TRTA II Programme. Following this, the requisite
technical expert advice on the design of the laboratory and the approved
test methods was provided through the TRTA II International Expert, Ms.
Subadra Jayasinghe.
Participants of the Study Tour with Dr. Upali Samarajeeva (5th from left) and
Subadra Jayasinghe (5th from right), TRTA II International Experts
In the welcome address, Dr. G.A.S. Premakumara, Director ITI highlighted the overall objective of
the programme of implementation of ISO 17025 at their laboratories and the long term
friendship between the two countries.
Mr. Sarath Abeysundara, Project coordinator, UNIDO Integrated Industrial Development Project,
Sri Lanka, stressed in his address the importance of scientific institutions partnerships in Dioxin testing laboratory at Karachi Laboratories Complex (KLC)
supporting the development of the countries in the region and the role of UNIDO interventions in The analytical testing by the KLC is of high sensitivity with great precision
such endeavors. He also mentioned the support given to the ITI for the establishment of and high quality due to accreditation experience of their staff in accordance
accreditation at its laboratories and that now ITI has become a model institute and training with the criteria of ISO-17025. The PCSIR-KLC now offers cost-effective,
facility to carry forward the programme in other countries. internationally recognized dioxin, PCB, PAH and heavy metal testing
Seven participants from government institutions of Pakistan, 3 quality mangers and 4 services for water, food and fishery products with ability to guarantee a
microbiologists were trained. Dr. Upali Samarajeewa and Ms. Subadra Jayasinghe, TRTA II rapid analysis within 5 working days. The creation of this state of the art lab
International Experts for implementation of laboratory accreditation in Pakistan, also provided in Pakistan also highlights the overall efforts of the TRTA II Programme for
much needed guidance to make this venture a success. resumption of fisheries export to the EU markets.
Punjab Government Replicates Training on NTMs
A two-day training workshop on Economics and Policy of The training workshop was attended by more than
Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) was organized by the hundred participants from both the public and private
Government of Punjab in association with PITAD in Lahore sectors as well as academia.
on 22-23 January 2013. The training was fully sponsored by The replication of the training on NTMs by the Punjab
the Punjab Government. Besides, financing the event, they Government demonstrates the confidence of the
also provided lecture fees, travel and accommodation to stakeholders in PITAD as a deliverer of quality trainings on
the master trainer from PITAD. The master trainer earlier trade policy issues. Participation in the training resulted in
has developed his own expertise on NTMs under the ITC further demand for PITAD delivered training from two
implemented Component 1 of the TRTA II programme. Departments of the Punjab Government. Participants of the training workshop on NTMs
WIPO
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
7
INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Action Plan for Punjab Food Authority is Ready
The TRTA II International Expert in Food Safety Legislation, EU law, where appropriate, on Official Controls and;
Mr. Paul Allen prepared the Action Plan for the Punjab Food to draft rules and regulations to harmonise
Authority (PFA). The Action Plan sets out three key priorities Provincial, Federal and EU law, where appropriate,
to enable the PFA to supplement the Punjab Food Authority on Food Labelling.
Act 2011. These priorities are: to draft rules and regulations Mr. Allen conducted two workshops (2 March in
to implement Codes of Conduct and Ethics for the Members Lahore and 5 March in Islamabad) to discuss an
of the PFA Board and for the Food Safety Officers; to draft action plan for the implementation of administrative
rules and regulations to harmonise Provincial, Federal and and official controls and food labelling rules.
The delegates in Lahore
included representatives
from business and consumer
organisations, the Punjab
Food Authority, (including
Board Members), the
Director General and Food
Safety Officers, the Food Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Additional Secretary, MNFS&R
Department of the Punjab speaking at the training on “Food Safety Legislation” in Islamabad
Government, (including the The delegates in Islamabad included representatives from
Secretary of the Food Department, NAPHIS, the Ministry of National Food Security and
who chaired the opening session) Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan
and the representatives from the Institute of Trade and Development and the Director
National Animal and Plant Health General of the Punjab Food Authority.
Inspection Service (NAPHIS) as The workshops in Lahore and Islamabad endorsed the
well as the additional secretary Action Plan for the Punjab Food Authority and also agreed
Ministry of National Food Security that there was an urgent need for the NAPHIS Bill to be
Mr. Irfan Ali, Secretary, Punjab Food Department speaking
at the training on “Food Safety Legislation” in Lahore and Research. enacted.
Training of Understanding Intellectual Property Rights
Commercial Diplomat Designates: to Boost Business in Pakistan
Capacity of PITAD Strengthened
Job opportunities can be created in Pakistan by increasing Knowledge about IPRs is often limited in developing
Under Component 1, the TRTA II programme and WTI are investment and innovation through a greater knowledge countries leading to owners or holders of intellectual
collaborating to assist PITAD in developing its institutional and understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) property being unwilling to introduce their inventions to
capacity to conduct regular trainings which includes STP and institutional and legal arrangements for their unregulated markets. As a result, enterprises and citizens
programme; training for Commercial Officers Designates often fail to benefit from new techniques and
and; training of officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs technologies and their countries don’t reap
according to international standards. The programme also the benefits of their inventions or traditional
envisages holding of short training programmes by PITAD for knowledge.
the officers working in various ministries and departments. Mr. Tahir Maqsood, Director General, PITAD,
Component 1 achieves these objectives by providing said: “Being more aware of the issues relating
advanced library resources and equipment for conducting to intellectual property rights will enable both
research and trainings in addition to intensive training of the public and private sectors to create more
master trainers from PITAD under the mentorship of WTI jobs and will help businesses to be more
professors. Fourteen master trainers have been trained; 12 Participants of the training on TRIPS profitable. This can happen through TRTA
training modules are developed and internationally enforcement. That was the message from Dr. Shujat Ali, programme’s efforts in institutional capacity
accredited which were delivered in six short trainings and Secretary, Industries, Commerce and Investment building, local training and research organizations, and
two batches of STP trainee officers. Department (IC&I), Punjab, at a training course on Trade promoting trade related knowledge on various issues
In February 2013, PITAD organized training for the newly Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in including IPRs.”
selected Commercial Officers Designate for posting abroad in Lahore on 11-12 March 2013. The training course focused on the role and importance of
which TRTA II and WTI contributed through delivering The two-day course was jointly conducted by the TRTA II IPRs in today’s society, IPR protection in national laws,
lectures and organizing of the training. Mr. Pierre Sauve, programme and the Pakistan Institute of Trade and different types of IPRs and the pictures for registering
Deputy Managing Director and Director of Studies of WTI Development (PITAD) in collaboration with the IC&I them. Case studies were presented relating to particular
lectured on Trade in Services and how the newly selected Department, Punjab. Technical assistance was provided by issues faced by Pakistan and the TRIPS multilateral
officers can contribute to the services exports enhancement the World Trade Institute (WTI). The provincial agreement. The case studies included the Geographical
from Pakistan. Similarly, Professor Gustav Brink lectured on government of the Punjab province helped to organize the Indication (GI) registration of the Pashmina shawl, Basmati
Trade Remedies and the role that commercial officers can training and also shared the costs. rice and Darjeeling tea.
play in identifying and protecting the domestic industry Fifty-two government officers and researchers from Participants benefitted from the expertise and points of
against unfair trade practices. This was an important training federal government ministries, implementing agencies, view of stakeholders from four different perspectives: local
as it was the biggest batch (35) officers ever selected for provincial departments, universities, trade associations and international training institutes (PITAD and WTI), the
posting abroad. The designated commercial officers included and research organizations participated in the training to public sector (the Intellectual Property Organization of
Commercial Secretaries, Commercial Councillors and Trade strengthen their understanding of IPRs and domestic laws Pakistan) and the private sector (the Pakistan Basmati
Ministers. for their protection. Growers Association).
WIPO
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
8
SECTORAL SUPPORT
Preparing Kinnow Consignments for Export
The Institute of Horticulture Sciences at the University of a harvesting bag and cutter
Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), under the EU funded TRTA II cleaning kit.
programme studied the Kinnow supply chain and identified Harvesting bags were
the Critical Control Points (CCPs) along the entire supply prepared by the UAF and
chain during the season 2011-12. used in the field on trial bases.
To address the critical issues identified along the supply After the trials, a sophisti-
chain Codes of Practice (COPs) were developed and the cated form of the harvesting
pilot application of the Codes of Practice was done in four bag was developed. The bag
selected Kinnow pack houses (Al-Rafique Enterprises, accommodates more Kinnow
Roshan Enterprises, JMB Exporters and Agro Industries) and protect the fruit from
during the 2012-13 season. damage. The cutter cleaning
Comprehensive training material was prepared by the UAF kit was introduced to
for the training of the staff of the pack houses. Trainings promote clean and
were arranged at each pack house separately and disinfected tools. This in turn
administration staff (field & processing labour and increases the cutter’s
machine operators, etc.) actively participated. After these lifespan, reduces worker's
trainings, the CCPs charts with recommended protection fatigue and restricts the
were distributed in all four pack houses. spread of disease infections in
With the start of processing and export activities, a Washing Kinnow at a processing plant the orchards.
monitoring plan was developed by the UAF for the
implementation of COPs to improve the whole process temperature at both places (i.e. after washing and waxing),
from harvesting fresh fruit to processing and loading it in fruit pulp temperature record, wax application rate,
reefer container. packing sizes, fruit size estimation, size of boxes, pre-
For field workers, Mobile Harvester Field Schools were cooling temperature, cold store temperature, cold store
conducted to monitor field activities and to make on-site CO2, cold store ethylene, reefer container loading, set
corrections. The main focus of monitoring was on workers’ point for temperature and air exchange in reefer, plug in
hygiene conditions, if present, disease in field labour, fruit time after loading of reefer container, etc.
quality assessment of manual sorting, fruit condition of The consignments were exported to different destinations
fruit collection baskets, condition of cutters, weather such as the UK, the Middle East, the Far East, the Russia,
during harvesting, etc. Kuala Lampur, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Canada,
The UAF monitored the preparation of 14 consignments in Iran, etc.
four export pack houses. The main focus was on fruit Another important TRTA II Programme intervention
unloading at arrival, loading on feeder belt, washing, dryer during the current Kinnow season was the introduction of
Checking temperature during processing
What Made EU Markets Open Again for Seafood Imports from Pakistan
Mr. Muhammad Khawar Jamil, Secretary, Ministry of Ports • Distributing guidelines to the FBOs implementation of 17025 International Standards. As well as establishing
and Shipping visited the Karachi Fish Harbor following a food safety standards and HACCP based food safe & the POPs analytical lab at PCSIR Karachi.
milestone in success that enabled Pakistan’s seafood management system. • Designating PCSIR laboratories complex in Karachi,
exporters to exploit EU markets once again. He was briefed • International and local trainings for technical staff of which are already accredited under ISO/IEC-
on the steps taken by the Marine Fisheries Department MFD laboratories under TRTA II programme. 17025:2005, for the testing of heavy metal (Lead,
(MFD), the Karachi Fish Harbor Authority, the Fishermen • Achieving Accreditation till 2016 of the Microbiology Cadmium & Mercury). The TRTA II Programme assisted
Cooperative Society and the two establishments – listed and Chemical Laboratories of the MFD under ISO / IEC – in establishing laboratories for testing of dioxins, PCBs &
for EU exports. He explained that TRTA II Programme PAH, which are in process of
played a supportive role throughout this process, linking getting accreditation.
together the activities at various stakeholders’ level. The •Developing a full fledged
salient steps taken towards the fulfillment of seafood traceability programme to
products and process regulations of the EU included: meet the EU requirements.
• Improvement in local fishing boat’s fish holds by coating The remaining companies will
them with fiberglass, and modifying the deck of fishing be recommended by the
boats to avoid fishery products being contaminated with Competent Authority for
fuel / oil. Similarly, potable water, hand washing facilities enlistment on satisfactory
and plastic crates were provided to the boats as per the implementation of EU
design recommendations provided by TRTA II standards/ national legislative
Programme. requirements by these
• Structural and operational improvement of K – I & K – II companies as soon as they are
auction halls and jetties at Karachi Fish Harbour to able to demonstrate the full
ensure the maintenance of cold chain, traceability and implementation of the SPS
operation as per the SOPs. requirements along the whole
• Providing training to Food Business Operators (FBOs) supply chain to ensure safe
on different aspects like SOPs, HACCP, Good Hygiene food.
Mr. Muhammad Khawar Jamil, Secretary, Ministry of Ports & Shipping
Practices (GHPs), traceability etc. during his visit to the Karachi Fish Harbor
WIPO
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
9
SECTORAL SUPPORT
TRTA II /CBI to Improve Labor Conditions in Surgical Instruments Industry
The Surgical Instruments and Medical Device Industry of performance benchmarks. Seeing this
Pakistan is a strategic sector falling in the light engineering as an opportunity, TRTA II joined
manufacturing category. The sector is 100 per cent hands with CBI to help the sector
outward looking with its exports exceeding US$ 280 address this serious issue. This
Million. The instruments produced by the sector are being partnership between the two, was
used at some of the world’s top and medically advanced formalized in 2011 and since then
health centers. The competitive advantage of Pakistan has they have identified 22 companies to
always been the ‘skill set’ required to make these work on CSR issues in detail. An
instruments. However, recently a documentary was shown agenda for change and its action plan
by the BBC, which showed ‘darker side’ images of the has been jointly developed and
industry. agreed by TRTA II Programme, CBI
The finished surgical instrument has to go through and Surgical Instruments Association
abrasive polishing and chemical based cleaning process of Pakistan (SIMAP).
that can have permanent harmful impacts on the health of A three days extensive training
its skilled workforce. The documentary displayed an programme and fact finding course
extreme negative image of the industry in doing absolutely was run at SIMAP (Sialkot) with these
nothing to support its ailing workforce. This documentary 22 companies to drill down on the
shook the industry, as it realized that such a negative CSR issues and come up with
sentiment could mean a serious drop in export orders. The strategies to address the gaps. The
industry was at a juncture where they wanted to move Surgical instruments industry workers in Sialkot programme will continue till 2014-15.
forward on this issue but was in need of strategic guidance It is hoped that this joint effort will
and support. compliance over the last few years and had plans to help the surgical industry revive its image as a socially
CBI Netherlands was already working with some continue the support. TRTA II Programme was also responsible industry within its export markets.
manufacturers of the surgical industry to improve CSR working with the surgical industry to develop key sectoral
Mango Dieback is a tedious disease of mango plants Treatment of Dieback Affected Mango Plants
affecting a significant population of mango trees in
every orchard. Every mango variety is affected by this
disease. It kills the actual tree therefore resulting in a
Dieback affected plants in the farm
considerable reduction of production volume. Due to
clusters receiving TRTA II support.
the fact that there is no established treatment of the
The approach has been found very
disease, farmers use different ways to control it such as;
effective to recover the affected
pruning the tree; the repeated application of fungicides
plants but scientific reasons
on the plant; soil amendment under the tree canopy
remained unknown. To trace out a
with specific nutrition and; fungicide application on the
scientific explanation, the Mango
soil. Despite all these hectic efforts, most of the plants
Research Station (MRS) carried out
die and if any plant gets recovered, it gets affected by
a soil analysis from different
this disease again and again and plants seldom
locations under the tree canopy. It
produces good crop. This disease has killed even more
was found that due to making a
plants in mango orchards than sudden death disease;
raised ring of soil or raising the level
an other very threatening disease of mango tree.
of soil around the plant stem, the
Many mango farmers are growing mangoes from
salts move rapidly to inside the
several generations and they are very successful in their
ring/raised bed near the stem
traditional practices of mango cultivation and they have
where the tree does not have any
certain secrets and experiences of mango cultivation. In
feeding roots. In this way the salts
April 2012 while sharing the secrets in a Farmer Field
keep away from the feeding roots
School held at one of the farm clusters receiving TRTA II
and the plant gets appropriate
support at Jalalpur (Multan), Mr. Sayed Ali Bhutta, a
nutrition form feeding roots.
mango grower, claimed that this area has thousands of
This may not be the only reason;
plants affected with Mango Dieback disease but his
hopefully several scientific reasons
orchard remains safe from the disease. He claimed that
in the back ground will be explored
a very simple treatment can recover the plants in few
in the coming days and any
months and that the recovered trees never suffer from
Pruning and making ring subsequent scientific explanation
this disease again and produce normal fruits later on.
will help in making this treatment
The recovered plants were seen at his farm. the affected plant slightly raised as compared to the plan simpler and will also ensure proper protection of
The treatment of the disease is very simple and can be field level so that during irrigation water remains below healthy plants. It not only marks an achievement of the
done in two ways. Firstly making a raised ring of soil up the raised level. If a plant is seriously affected then an 18 MRS that they were able to find out the treatment of a
to half the way from stem to outer part of the tree inches deep ridge inside the outer part of canopy is also threatening mango disease but also reflects the beauty
canopy so that the irrigation water is stopped from made for quick relief. Due to this treatment the tree of Farmer Field Schools being conducted by the MRS at
entering the area inside the ring. In this way the area starts recovering with each irrigation, gets healthy and the farm clusters level receiving TRTA II support that
inside the ring never get the irrigation and remains dry becomes a normal and productive plant in a few the solutions of a variety of problems have radiated out
and only absorbs moisture from surroundings. The months. from them.
other way is to make the whole area around the stem of This procedure was adapted immediately on all the
WIPO
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO
10
STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM
exported from Pakistan were 126, 200 metric tons, introduction of postgraduate diploma course on “Food
valued at US$ 331 million. Safety” in three Universities of Pakistan will fill the gap
During 2005 – 2006, before delisting of fish processing and will be of great value.
establishments by EU, the export of fish & fishery The MFD is committed to get the EU and national
product to the EU countries was around US$ 50 legislative requirements implemented at all stages of
million. production, processing and distribution of fish &
We appreciate the personal interest taken by the EU fishery products.
Mr. Shaukat Hussain
Delegation to Pakistan in terms of full coordination / Since, as per European Commission (EC) Regulations
Director General
cooperation and technical assistance under the EU and national legislation on the hygiene of foodstuff,
Marine Fisheries
Department (MFD) funded TRTA II programme, enabling Pakistan to “the primary responsibility for food safety rests with
certify to EU standards, which resulted in the the Fish & Fishery Products Business Operators
resumption of exports from Pakistan to EU countries. (FBOs)”; therefore, the FBOs, hence at all stages of
Fisheries play a significant role in the national economy On 07th March 2013, Mr. Pierre Mayaudon, Deputy production, processing and distribution within the
and towards the food security of the country, as it Head of European Union Delegation to Pakistan businesses under their control must ensure that fish &
reduces the existing pressure on demand for mutton, alongwith his Senior Trade Advisor Mr. Husain Iftikhar, fishery products satisfy the relevant hygiene
beef and poultry in the country. It contributes, on an visited Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), Karachi requirements laid down in Pakistan Fish Inspection and
average, about 1.0% to the total GDP and 4.0% to the Fish Harbour and two fish processing establishments. Quality Control Act and Rules as amended time to time.
agricultural GDP. Moreover, it absorbs 1.0% of the The delegation expressed their satisfaction with
country’s labour force. It is considered the single most attempts being made by Pakistan to continue the The efforts of EU funded TRTA II
important economic activity along the coastline of process for a full scale export of fish and fishery
Sindh and Baluchistan. It has been estimated that products to the EU countries. Programme for rendering technical
about 400,000 fishermen and their families are directly The efforts of EU funded TRTA II Programme for assistance to make the entire
dependent upon the fisheries for their livelihood rendering technical assistance to make the entire
whereas about 600,000 are involved in the ancillary seafood production, processing and distribution seafood production, processing and
industry. industry of Pakistan in line with the requirements of distribution industry of Pakistan in
The contribution of fisheries sector to the country’s Sanitary & Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Agreement, are also
line with the requirements of
export earnings is quite substantial. In the year 2011 – highly appreciated. Due to these efforts, a significant
2012 the total fish production was 725, 000 metric tons number of food testing laboratories of Pakistan have Sanitary & Phyto-sanitary (SPS)
(Marine: 465,000 metric tons + Inland: 260,000 metric now achieved accreditation under ISO/IEC–17025 Agreement, are highly appreciated.
tons). In the same year, fish and fisheries products International Standard and process for making other
laboratories in line is underway. Besides, the
Departments (Federal and Provincial), other trade bodies, where we feel more input and focus is needed in future
chambers and aid agencies, thus ensuring that their efforts under TRTA programme.
and focus should be effectively channeled in the right The main strain that the industry is feeling in its supply
projects which will improve the livelihood of the chain is due to years of over fishing: like the rest of the
fishermen community and in turn result in enhancing world, our sea catch is also on a decline. In order to give our
exports. marine life a breathing space we need to aggressively
The PakFEA was initially very skeptical about the TRTA pursue a very comprehensive aquaculture development
Mr. Faisal Iftikhar
II Programme. This was openly and very vocally conveyed, policy. Pakistan is probably the only coastal country with
Ex-Chairman
from time to time, to TRTA II Programme and also in the 0 % Shrimp farming and no marine aquaculture at all. We
Pakistan Fisheries Exporters
Association (PAKFEA) Steering Committee meetings to all stake holders and need to change that. We need to develop human resource
programme financers (EU). But as TRTA II Programme took that can help in bringing about this change. This is also one
the right approach by holding Public Private Dialogues area where PakFEA feels that our focus should be, so any
The Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PakFEA) was on a regular basis with all stakeholders and building help in this regard from TRTA program will be appreciated.
registered under the new rules of trade bodies that were their programme according to the guidelines that came Fisheries Development Board (FDB) which is an
enforced by the Government of Pakistan in 2010. from such meetings, all the efforts are thus seen to be organization headed by me has the prime focus on
I became its Founding Chairman after serving as the Vice made in the right direction. The landmark achievement aquaculture and it’s the right forum where all parties and
Chairman of the previous association that was called of the lifting of EU ban on Pakistan’s fishery products is stakeholders can sit and plan these strategies.
“Pakistan Seafood Industries Association” for more than 5 a prime example of the consolidated and focused efforts FDB is already starting a 1000 acre shrimp farming cluster
years. of TRTA II Programme, MFD, Ministry of Commerce, EU with public-private joint venture in Sindh which will
We reorganized and restructured the new association in Delegation to Pakistan and PakFEA. hopefully jump start shrimp aquaculture in Pakistan.
such a way that everyone related to seafood exports and The PakFEA, with the support of the TDAP, is aggressively
all processors could become its member. Now our pursuing to find new markets for its products. Our The landmark achievement of the
membership exceeds 150 in number and they represent all members regularly participate in International fairs lifting of EU ban on Pakistan’s fish-
aspects of seafood trade. We have members who process especially the Seafood Expos in Boston (USA), Brussels,
and export fresh chilled products; some export live Dalian (China) and UAE. ery products is a prime example of
seafood especially lobsters, crab and top shell. A majority State of the art factories have been established in the last consolidated and focused efforts of
of our members export frozen seafood. Trading houses are few years that process value added products like canned
TRTA II Programme, MFD, Ministry
also members of our Association as they play a very vital sardines/ mackerel/ crab, IQF retail size packing of
role in promoting Pakistani products and facilitating shrimps, and ready to eat seafood product lines. of Commerce, EU Delegation to
exports. Our members are in tune with the changing trends but we
Pakistan and PakFEA.
The PakFEA has always been very active in promoting feel that market linkages, both inward and outward, are
exports and keeping close contact with Govt. necessary and need enhancement. These are the areas
W I P O
The TRTA II Programme is funded by the European Union The Ministry of Commerce is overall coordinator The programme is implemented by UNIDO in association with ITC & WIPO