UPDATE ON AOAD ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST TO THE SPS COMMITTEE

COMMUNICATION FROM AOAD

The following communication, received on 21 September 2025, is being circulated at the request of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD).

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1  SUPPORTING MEMBER STATES IN UTILIZING S&DT PROVISIONS

1.1.  AOAD is working closely with Arab member States, many of which are developing and least-developed countries, to help them effectively benefit from the Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions under the SPS Agreement.

1.2.  Tailored capacity-building programmes are provided to strengthen members' ability to make use of flexibilities, including the extension of comment periods, active engagement in the notification system, and improved domestic coordination mechanisms.

1.3.  The organization also facilitates regional dialogue to share experiences and best practices in operationalizing S&DT rights and obligations.

2  BUILDING CAPACITY AND PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY

2.1.  AOAD conducts specialized training workshops on transparency-related mechanisms, including the preparation and submission of SPS notifications, responding to comments, and requesting technical assistance.

2.2.  Support is provided to enhance the role of national SPS enquiry points and strengthen their coordination with producers, exporters, and competent authorities.

2.3.  AOAD continues to assist members in aligning their domestic regulations with Codex, IPPC, and WOAH standards, while ensuring that developing members can apply S&DT flexibilities to address capacity constraints.

3  REGIONAL COOPERATION AND FUTURE PRIORITIES

3.1.  Through the Arab Agricultural Integration Strategy (2026–2036), AOAD has integrated S&DT considerations into regional programmes on food safety, plant health, and animal health.

3.2.  AOAD promotes collective action among Arab countries to overcome common SPS challenges, with emphasis on invasive pests, transboundary diseases, and emerging food safety requirements.

3.3.  The organization remains committed to working with WTO Members, international reference bodies, and partners to ensure that Arab countries can fully benefit from S&DT, thereby strengthening food security, safe trade, and sustainable agricultural development.

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