UPDATE ON AOAD ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST TO THE SPS COMMITTEE

 COMMUNICATION FROM AOAD

The following communication, received on 14 October 2025, is being circulated at the request of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD).

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1  Capacity building on SPS Issues in the Arab Region

1.1.  AOAD continues to emphasize the importance of science-based import controls and risk assessment in protecting human, animal, and plant life while enabling safe and predictable trade.

1.2.  The organization has supported Arab member States in developing and strengthening risk assessment frameworks, including pest and food safety risk analyses, in line with WTO SPS requirements.

1.3.  Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing laboratory capacities, diagnostic systems, and traceability mechanisms that form the foundation for effective import control and science-based decision-making.

1.4.  AOAD actively fosters regional cooperation among Arab countries to exchange experiences and best practices in SPS implementation and food control systems.

1.5.  Under the upcoming implementation plan, AOAD will launch capacity-building programmes to train and accredit laboratories towards achieving international recognition.

1.6.  Additional regional workshops are planned on good agricultural practices (GAPs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support compliance with SPS measures.

1.7.  AOAD continues to promote scientific research and regional collaboration to align with international standards on pesticide and veterinary drug use in agricultural production.

1.8.  AOAD reaffirms its commitment to build the capacities of national institutions responsible for SPS implementation and enhance technical skills in surveillance, diagnostics, and inspection systems.

1.9.  AOAD also supports evidence-based policy formulation in SPS and food safety systems to ensure science-driven regulatory decisions.

1.10.  AOAD is integrating activities on invasive plant and animal pests into capacity-building programmes, including training on early warning, rapid response, and integrating pest risk analysis within SPS frameworks to improve preparedness across Arab countries.

2  Technical Support on SPS issues to Arab Countries

2.1.  AOAD continues to promote the use of digital technologies and AI-driven tools in modernizing inspection, certification, and surveillance systems.

2.2.  Virtual seminars were organized in 2025 under AOAD's regional programme on Food Safety and Quality, focusing on digital transformation, data management, and e-certification platforms.

2.3.  AOAD will host a new series of virtual seminars addressing current SPS challenges and opportunities, feeding into an in-person Arab consultative meeting in late November 2025.

2.4.  The organization supports member States in improving regulatory and laboratory systems to strengthen inspection, quarantine, and early warning procedures.

2.5.  AOAD is developing effective strategies for assessing and managing phytosanitary risks, including transboundary and invasive pests, and integrating these measures into regional coordination and information sharing.

2.6.  These initiatives allow Arab countries to exchange experiences, adopt best practices, and implement science-based preventive measures for invasive pests affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and trade.

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