FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

Annual meeting of the Agricultural Trade Expert Network in Europe and Central Asia

Hybrid Event, 27/10/2020 - 28/10/2020

During the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Agricultural Trade Expert Network in Europe and Central Asia, which will be held online on 27-28 October 2020, the participants will discuss changes in agricultural trade in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as trade and economic measures and ways to overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic for the economies and agriculture of Europe and Central Asia.

The situation caused by the pandemic is unlike any other food or health crisis in modern times, with simultaneous supply and demand shocks that are global in nature. Therefore, it is expected to have an unprecedented impact on global and regional trade. The weaknesses that have been revealed in the food supply chains require new approaches and efforts that would involve strategic orientation towards intraregional and international trade partners, compliance with trade requirements, such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards and improving efficiency in moving goods across borders.

Also, during the event, the ATEN experts will discuss a work plan for the development of the forthcoming FAO publication on agrifood trade policy in the post-Soviet countries, thematic chapters for this publication, the Network achievements and its plans for 2021.