13 jan 2012

Integrated approach to promote Central Asian SMEs

The representation of Hilfswerk Austria International in Tajikistan in cooperation with partners implement the project “Integrated approach to promote Central Asian SMEs on processing of nuts, dried fruits and honey”. Project is funded by European Union within the framework of 2nd phase of the program “Central Asia Invest”.

The program “Central Asia - Invest” was adopted in 2007 within the framework of Regional Strategy of European Commission for Central Asia for 2007 – 2013 years.

The aim of the program “Central Asia – Invest” is to reduce poverty in Central Asian countries through development of private sector. Particular attention is paid to the development of small and medium businesses and facilitation of their gradual integration into the global economy.

The aim of the project is a comprehensive development of the processing sector in Central Asia by strengthening the capacity of specialized business intermediary organizations to improve the quality of services offered by SMEs, and promoting regional integration of Central Asia to the global market.

Project target group: the SME sector, agricultural agents, consumers, professional associations, farmers' associations, associations of processors and sellers.

TARGET TERRITORY

• Tajikistan: Sughd region;
• Kyrgyzstan: Batken and Osh;

Linkages:

• Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

Within the project together with partners developed a number of materials and guidelines:

• Import-export procedures for fresh and processed products;
• Brief information brochure on access to regional and European markets;
• Market structure and management of a series of products for food processing SMEs;
• Feasibility study of opportunities for growing organic product;
• Information brochure for support centers and forwarding companies in Sughd region having quality mark;
• Curriculum and materials on food safety for managers;
• Manual on Global GAP for farmers growing apricots, plums, grapes and nuts.

Also within the framework of the project an effective safety standards and quality of food for targeted products will be applied.

Standards will be based on the Global GAP, HACCP and ISO 220000, to protect consumers and promote high - quality products, opening the processors of dried fruits, nuts and honey more profitable markets of near and far abroad.

The project promotes the establishment of close cooperation between trade representatives of the European Union and Central Asia.

The project is implemented in cooperation with international and local partners:

ASTI - Association of Scientific Technical Intelligentsia Tajikistan

NAMSB - National Association of Small and Medium Businesses Tajikistan

TES - Center of Kyrgyzstan

APP - Association of Fruit and Vegetable Enterprises of Kyrgyzstan

WIFI - Institute for Economic Assistance at Chamber of Commerce of Austria