The Central Laboratory for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals Participates in a Regional Seminar on Governance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) System

The Central Laboratory for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals in Food participated in a virtual scientific seminar held via Zoom as part of the activities of the regional workshop entitled “Governance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) System”, organized by the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development under the presidency of Professor Ibrahim El-Dukhairy.

The Laboratory’s participation came through a scientific lecture delivered by Professor Dr. Hind Abdel-Allah, Director of the Central Laboratory, entitled:
“Development of Technical and Laboratory Capacities and Pest and Disease Monitoring Networks.”
In her presentation, she highlighted the role of reference laboratories in supporting the sanitary and phytosanitary system, as well as the importance of building technical capacities and strengthening monitoring and early-warning systems in line with regional and international requirements.

The scientific sessions and virtual discussions were moderated by Professor Dr. Ali Suleiman, Head of the Egyptian National Coordinating Committee for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, with the participation of a distinguished group of professors and experts specialized in sanitary and phytosanitary fields from various Arab countries.

The seminar addressed several key themes, most notably:

• The current status of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) system in the Arab region.

• Analysis of gaps and challenges facing the implementation of the SPS system at the regional level.

• The Arab regional framework for governance of the SPS system.

• The regional roadmap for strengthening the SPS system in Arab countries.

• Ways to enhance regional cooperation and coordination in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

This seminar aims to enhance technical and institutional capacities and to develop mechanisms for regional coordination, contributing to the establishment of a safe and sustainable sanitary and phytosanitary system, and supporting intra-regional and international agricultural trade in accordance with approved standards.