The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with support from the European Union (EU), hosted the first in a series of workshops on food safety standards in Kabul from 15 - 16 September. The training, which focused on dried fruits and nuts, brought together key stakeholders including the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Afghan Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Afghan exporters and food safety experts.
The workshop introduced Afghan producers to key international and European food safety standards, needed in order to open doors to premium markets like the EU. It emphasized the need for private sector investments in quality assurance and certification across the food supply chain, from farm to fork. It equipped participants with practical knowledge to avoid common export rejections, including issues like pesticide residues and allergens.
Afghanistan's exports reached US$1.8 billion in 2024, with fruit and nuts leading at US$590 million. Despite modest EU trade, potential exists to expand market access through improved food safety compliance.
Veronika Boskovic Pohar - Chargée d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Afghanistan, said, "The European Union is committed to helping Afghanistan develop a strong and sustainable food sector. By investing in improved food safety and quality, we are not only protecting consumers but also empowering Afghan producers to access new, high-value markets. The EU is pleased to have initiated this training with WFP, it represents a crucial step toward building a more resilient and self-reliant Afghan economy."
"WFP remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening Afghanistan's food industry and advancing food safety standards," said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP Deputy Country Director in Afghanistan. "Building effective institutional and regulatory frameworks is essential to ensuring food safety and enabling the private sector to align with international benchmarks. We are sincerely grateful to the European Union for its unwavering support to the Afghan people."
The European Union Delegation plans to initiate further trainings on product standards for access to international markets in other economic sectors in the future.
