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The USAID Trade in Central Asia (TCA) program is launching two initiatives to develop the export ecosystem in Turkmenistan. Their presentation took place in Ashgabat on Friday with the participation of representatives of various departments, business circles of the country, public organizations, missions of international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as the media.

During the event, its participants were familiarized with the terms of the competition for co-financing the cost of international certification for fresh fruit and vegetables GLOBALG.A.P., as well as with the Trade Promotion Service Providers (TPSP) program, through which manufacturers will be able to access professional services for the export promotion of their products through the involvement of qualified consultants.

Nino Nadiradze, USAID Representative in Turkmenistan, delivered an opening speech to the audience, who spoke about the particular relevance of the topics discussed at today's meeting and the experience and professionalism that private producers can gain by participating in projects of the US Agency for International Development.

Shamurad Kherremov, Head of the Department of Agriculture of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country, supporting the speech of the USAID representative in Turkmenistan, devoted his short speech to the rapid rise that domestic businessmen made in a short period of time, having passed the path from small wholesalers to qualified manufacturers and exporters of demanded abroad products.

Then, USAID TCA Country Program Director Rustam Bekmuradov presented in detail the current results of the USAID Trade in Central Asia project, including information and videos on the promotion of GLOBALG.A.P. certification.

A representative of GLOBALG.A.P. Edita Stradzina also addressed the audience via video link, sharing her work experience. Her speech was short but meaningful.

The review prepared by USAID TCA Program Specialist Azat Myalikgulyev, dedicated to the project on competitiveness, trade and creation of new jobs, was heard with great attention.

Also, as a report on the work done and at the same time the transfer of experience gained in the development of horticulture, a speech was made by the agronomist of the USAID TCA program Akmurad Gurdov.

…In one material it is impossible to cover the variety of topics that were raised during the presentation. But since the presentations were not only interesting, but also useful, we decided to return to this issue in the near future, highlighting in detail the main speeches in separate publications, as this will help Turkmen agricultural producers in promoting their products to international markets.

As a result of all, the ceremony of awarding certificates to licensed trainers GLOBALG.A.P. in Turkmenistan took place.

Today, food manufacturers need to ensure that their product is grown in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. New consumer demands, retail and legal requirements have led to new standards for farmers and producers.

That is, they need to follow production practices that reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and fish farming, reduce the use of chemicals, and manage natural resources, at the same time caring for workers, farm animals, and marine life.

The ability to validate commitments in the field of agriculture and fish farming has now become a key condition for entering the market.

GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized series of agricultural standards that establish farming and fish farming practices.

For consumers and retailers, GLOBALGA.P. means confirming that the product meets the required level of safety and quality and is produced in compliance with environmental regulations, with care for the health and safety of workers, the environment and animal welfare. Without such confirmation, it is difficult for farmers these days to access markets.

Certification is paid for by the farm or producer who applies for certification. These costs will pay off through increased efficiency and easier market access.

To assist farmers and start-ups in the field of agribusiness, a competition is announced to co-finance the GLOBALG.A.P certification. Speaking again, Rustam Bekmuradov, country director of the USAID TCA program, spoke about its provisions, which began accepting applications from leading private companies in Turkmenistan engaged in the production of fresh fruit and vegetables and striving to enter premium foreign markets.

As part of this initiative, TCA will assist in obtaining certification according to the international standard GLOBALG.A.P. for the three selected producers and will contribute to the growth of their export potential.

In addition, all companies that timely (before 18.00 on May 20, 2022) submitted an application for participation in the competition, regardless of whether they are selected as winners, will receive free access to a unique training course (in June-July 2022) on Good Agricultural Practices to raise awareness of the requirements of the GLOBALG.A.P.

During the event, there was also a presentation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Small Business Consulting program and the TCA Trade Promotion Service Providers program, which covers up to 50% of the costs of marketing, networking, branding and preparing for certification services related to export.

After the presentations were over, a photo session and informal communication of the meeting participants took place, which resulted in an exchange of views, the process of developing new ideas and approaches, as well as a desire to meet again at the USAID site in order to continue on the path of business development and promotion of products to world markets.

The meeting turned out to be extremely informative and useful, which is evidenced by the great mood and smiles of all its participants.

Bekdurdy AMANSARIEV