Kyrgyzstan strengthens phytosanitary cooperation within the SCO to expand agricultural exports

The second meeting of heads of plant quarantine agencies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states was held in Tianjin (PRC).

The event was attended by representatives of relevant agencies of SCO member states, including a delegation from Kyrgyzstan led by officials from the Department of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Chemicalization of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry.

The meeting focused on expanding access to international markets for agricultural products through the harmonization of phytosanitary procedures. Important topics included the development of joint measures to combat quarantine pests, the introduction of electronic document management for phytosanitary certificates, and the use of smart technologies in product quality control systems.

Following the meeting, a Protocol on Bilateral Meetings was signed and a Joint Statement by the Heads of Plant Quarantine Authorities of the SCO countries was adopted. These steps lay the foundation for simplifying export procedures and reducing barriers to Kyrgyz agricultural products entering China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and other SCO member countries.