by Codex office Bhutan

A three-day advocacy workshop on the theme “"Achieving Leadership in the Codex Process"” took place from 20 to 22 September 2021 at Drubchhu Resort, Lobesa, Punakha in Bhutan. Around 40 participants from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, State Owned Enterprises, World Health Organization and World Food Programme country office attended the workshop. The sessions were facilitated by experts from India, WHO South East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi and FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok. The workshop was designed to;

• strengthen the national Codex programme in Bhutan;
• address some of the gaps identified using the Codex Diagnostic Tool;
• increase the understanding on the importance of Codex standards for consumer protection and fair practices in food trade; and
• enhance engagement in international standard setting process among the relevant agencies.

The opening session was graced by Dr. Tashi Samdup, Director General, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Dr. Gyanendra Gongal, Regional Advisor for Food Safety, WHO SEARO, Dr. Shridhar Dharmapuri, Senior Food Safety and Nutrition Officer, FAO RAP. In his inaugural address, the Director General, BAFRA highlighted the important role of the relevant agencies in contributing to the work of Codex at national and international level to protect plant, animal and human health. Dr. Gongal commended Bhutan for taking proactive initiatives towards improving the food safety situation of Bhutan and reiterated the importance of benefiting from the Codex Trust Fund to better participate and contribute towards Codex work. Dr. Shridhar Dharmapuri emphasized the importance of using Codex texts to further strengthen the national food control system to achieve food safety and ensure fair practices in trade.

Workshop participants and experts

This workshop was part of the Codex Trust Fund tripartite project for Bhutan, India and Nepal, with the goal to strengthen the function of National Codex Structures through effective engagement of all stakeholders in Codex activities and standard setting process.

Learn more

Codex Trust Fund website

Publication: Codex Trust Fund Year in Review 2018