Harmonization of SPS measures is essential for expanding intra regional trade as it reduces or eliminates illegitimate measures that are barriers to movement of food and agricultural products across the region.
Increasing the region’s scientific and technical capacity in this regard remains critical. Without this we will not walk the political talk on harmonized SPS measures / systems, integration of markets for food security and trade.
The Council decisions to establish the SPS subcommittee and strengthen countries’ SPS capacities brought to the fore front the regional dimension of SPS issues and enabled the Secretariat and Member States to establish the SPS capacity strengthening programme.
You are welcome to view the work of the Secretariat in the region. We hope to use this link to share important information with member states as we develop and implement the programme.