Myanmar can now export honey to the European Union (EU) according to an EU Commission Option made on 29 July 2020.
Executed by the International Trade Centre, the EU-funded ARISE Plus Myanmar job supports the private and public sectors in the country in enhancing their exports of honey products within the economic area of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries, and to the EU and worldwide markets.
The EU authorized Myanmar’s National Residue Keeping track of Plan for the importation of honey produced in Myanmar. Myanmar honey manufacturers getting orders from European nations can now provide and export their items, supplied they please the EU safety and quality requirements together with requirements for honey production.
‘It is a turning point for the nation that the EU acknowledges the National Residue Keeping Track Of Strategy as a trusted instrument to keep an eye on chemical residues in honey,’ states Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre. ‘This is what developing added worth is all about and I am happy that we might now be able to sample this wonderful product in Europe.’
Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Myanmar, states, ‘Making sure EU food security and quality requirements through every level of the food supply chain is difficult, however pleasing. Myanmar beekeepers now have access to a market of 450 million consumers searching for quality products. Invite to the EU!’
The approval is substantial given that it represents security in line with stiff EU food production requirements. It also promotes market competitiveness: 2 years earlier, purchasers from the EU revealed their interest in purchasing honey from Myanmar however the country was not formally noted for honey exports to the EU. Now, beekeepers, collectors and honey exporters can benefit.
Cooperation for stronger institutions
The Apiculture Improvement Division of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department of the nation’s Ministry of Farming, Animals and Watering submitted the report of the National Residue Keeping Track Of Technique to the EU along with test samples.
‘We will be continuously working to develop sustainable Myanmar honey trade to the EU market and to guarantee its quality and security of items for export,’ says Deputy Director General of the Animals Breeding and Veterinary Department Dr. Than Naing Tun.
‘Quality and preventative measure are important to penetrate and keep a brand-new market like the EU. We have in fact advised all stakeholders to keep going with collective effort,’ includes Aung Khaing Htwe, the Chairman of Myanmar Apiculture Association and Managing Director of Smile Pleased Co., Ltd.
. A silver lining in the face of COVID-19
Due to the existing health crisis activated by COVID-19, exceptionally or healthy foods, such as honey and other bee products, have really gotten increasing interest from the general public. This has in fact led to higher worldwide rates for honey – and Myanmar has the chance to grow its export linkages in the item if it makes sure internal sanitary control systems for its honey production.
This is where DEVELOP Plus actions in. Recently, Myanmar’s authorities have actually improved their capability to carry out the hygienic controls required to make sure honey exports. ESTABLISH Plus Myanmar works closely with these authorities, arranging training sessions and developing tools such as checklists and standards for Exceptional Beekeeping Practices, Excellent Production Practices in addition to Danger Analysis and Crucial Control Points.
Up until now, more than 100 stakeholders from the honey sector went to the capacity-building activities of the project where professionals from the International Trade Centre assisted the Apiculture Advancement Division in their reporting and laboratory screening in Germany.
ESTABLISH Plus similarly supports the Government of Myanmar in offering the public health attestation (veterinary certificate) that need to accompany each honey export.
About the job
The ARISE Plus Myanmar job contributes to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable sell Myanmar. It supports the honey sector in sticking to sanitary and phytosanitary steps to access to around the world markets, especially the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Countries. For this, the International Trade Centre takes a holistic technique by enhancing the Apiculture Development Division’s official control and assisting the labs to check quality and security requirements for honey.