ISLAMABAD ( WEB DESK )
Adopting new SoPs in trade and transportation has become a critical need to get aligned with the new scenario amid Covid-19. The experts including the representative from the public and private sectors said this while sharing his views at virtual workshop ‘Trade Protocols Amid Covid-19 Pandemic’ organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), In collaboration with Pakistan Institute of Trade & Commerce, Ministry of Commerce here on Wednesday.
Director General, Pakistan Institute of Trade & Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, Ms Raheela Tajwar,
emphasized that after Covid-19, new SoPs involved in trade and transportation must get adopted to remain competitive in the international markets.
“We are glad that private sector bodies and think tanks are closely working with the government to understand the new trade regime,” she said in the current scenario, trade of fresh fruits and vegetables could get more challenging. Safety of workers involved in production and trade is also important and requires cooperation from both public and private sector to help each other, she added.
Senior Adviser, Export Quality Management, International Trade Center, Geneva, Mr Khemraj Ramful, highlighted that allowing electronic certifications can ensure safe handling of animal/livestock trade. The
sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is important during pandemic as they are
ensuring stable supply of food and PPE. Besides, risk management tools need to be integrated into their
management systems, he added.
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director SDPI, while covering various dimensions of the pandemic
related impacts, said that Covid-19 is an amalgam of three crises that include health, economic and food
crisis. The food production, processing and handling will become challenging and more hygienic standards
from the buyers may get introduced in this new scenario.
“During the first wave of Covid-19, Pakistan’s output was also affected by the locusts attack,” Dr Suleri
said. He added further that the inputs for kharif crops were therefore curtailed and likewise, during the
second wave, rice and citrus are at the mercy of the circumstances that are unfolding. He informed the
participants that SDPI is working closely with the government to establish a central data facility to facilitate
decision makers in ensuring smooth domestic food supplies.
Mr M. Anees, Khawaja, Director, Mahmood Group of Industries, opined that the agriculture sector’s
productivity needs to be addressed. Besides, we also need to ensure that the focus on sustainability and
environmental protection is not lost during the pandemic.
Dr Vaqar Ahmed, Joint Executive Director, SDPI while moderating the discussion, highlighted that after
Covid-19, there is an emphasis in most countries to ensure hygienic and safe transportation, port handling,
storage, and warehousing of cargo. Therefore, we also need to understand that WHO and WTO have been
looking at this and new consignment handling procedures have been recommended.
He said that for agriculture sector, it would be like using risk-based approach, backed by scientific evidence
and robust traceability system. The legislation and technical regulations need to be in line with best
international practices. Thus, we need to plan with the view that future waves of Covid-19 will continue
to impact the global supply chain, he added.
Director, Bio-Labs Pvt Ltd. Mr Usman Shaukat, was of view that there is a short and long run perspective
to Covid-19. He said that export restrictions are not the answer to deal with the current crisis and all
countries need to keep the supply chains open.
Mr Ahmed Khaver, Researcher at SDPI, earlier underpinned the importance of was of the public-private
sector engagements under the program ‘Strengthening the use of evidence for development and said that
there is a need for capacity building in both private and the public sectors for evidence production and
use.