A recent capacity-building workshop, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aimed to address regulatory and testing requirements for Bhutanese SMEs. Hosted by the Indian Embassy in Bhutan from July 29 to August 1, 2024, the workshop focused on trade policies, regulations, and procedures with a special emphasis on key agricultural products.
An important milestone was achieved with the signing of an agreement between Bhutan’s BFDA and FSSAI. This pact ensures that Bhutanese food and agricultural exports meet Indian safety standards, thereby eliminating the need for double inspection and reducing compliance costs for Bhutanese businesses.
The event was inaugurated by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Dorji, who met with inter-ministerial experts from the Indian government. Prime Minister Tobgay expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to enhance trade and support Bhutanese entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and farmers in navigating regulatory complexities and engaging in formal trade with India.
FSSAI played a crucial role in the workshop, aiming to empower Bhutanese SMEs and producers with essential knowledge and skills to boost their agricultural exports to India. The workshop was a joint effort by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), along with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and FSSAI.
Key aspects of trade policy, regulations, and procedures were discussed, with a focus on agricultural products such as apples, oranges, potatoes, areca nuts, processed foods, and timber. Shri Manvesh Kumar, Director of the Trade and International Cooperation Division at FSSAI, educated participants on food import procedures and the complexities of regulatory and testing requirements.
The workshop was held in multiple locations across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar, signifying a concerted effort to reach and educate a broad audience of Bhutanese SMEs and producers.
