India and Bhutan Team Up for Food Safety Workshop
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) led a four-day workshop on food import regulations in Bhutan, hosted by the Indian Embassy. The event took place from July 29 to August 1 and was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Dorji.
The workshop aimed to empower Bhutanese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and producers by providing crucial knowledge and skills to enhance their agricultural exports to India. The event covered essential aspects of trade policy, regulations, and procedures, with a special focus on key agricultural products such as apples, oranges, potatoes, areca nuts, processed food items, and timber.
Manvesh Kumar, Director of the Trade and International Cooperation Division, represented FSSAI and educated participants on the food import procedure and regulatory requirements. The workshop was organized by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) in collaboration with various Indian governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and FSSAI.
Recently, India and Bhutan signed an agreement between the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and FSSAI to ensure Bhutanese food and agricultural exports meet Indian safety standards. This agreement aims to eliminate the need for double inspection and reduce compliance costs for Bhutanese businesses.
Doubts Revealed
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) -: FSSAI is a government body in India that makes sure the food we eat is safe and healthy. They set rules and standards for food products.
Bhutan -: Bhutan is a small country located to the north of India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and peaceful environment.
Indian Embassy -: An embassy is a place where representatives of a country live and work in another country. The Indian Embassy in Bhutan helps with relations between India and Bhutan.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay -: Tshering Tobgay is a leader in Bhutan who was the Prime Minister. He helps make important decisions for the country.
Finance Minister Lyonpo Namgay Dorji -: Lyonpo Namgay Dorji is a person in Bhutan who looks after the country’s money and finances. He helps manage the budget and spending.
SMEs -: SMEs stands for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. These are small businesses that are not as big as large companies but are very important for the economy.
Trade policies and regulations -: These are rules and guidelines that countries follow when they buy and sell goods with each other. They help make sure trade is fair and safe.
Bhutan Food and Drug Authority -: This is a government body in Bhutan that makes sure food and medicines are safe for people to use. They set rules and check products.
Compliance costs -: These are the expenses that businesses have to pay to follow the rules and regulations set by the government. Reducing these costs helps businesses save money.
