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Central Asian Veterinary Services discuss market access barriers for OIC meat exports

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As a side event of the DALA Camp Forum 2026, Heads of Veterinary Services from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated in a technical consultation to provide inputs for the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) Study on market access barriers for OIC meat exporters. The event, supported by WOAH SRR for Central Asia, aimed to identify key challenges and opportunities to strengthen export readiness in the region.

The consultation included presentations on international standards for safe trade, country interventions, and a moderated discussion on practical experiences with exports, certification procedures, animal health, and market requirements. Representatives from IOFS and WOAH SRR for Central Asia facilitated the discussions.

Participants highlighted several challenges:

  • Veterinary and SPS constraints: Gaps between national systems and importing country requirements, weak border controls, and difficulties achieving recognized disease-free status.
  • Regional harmonization: Lack of consistent legislation, inspection, and certification processes restricts both intra-regional and international trade.
  • Laboratory and certification capacity: Limited accreditation, inconsistent diagnostics, and insufficient residue monitoring obstruct export approval.
  • Production and supply limitations: Fragmented smallholder systems, seasonal output, and feed shortages affect consistent supply.
  • Halal certification and traceability: Differences in standards and lack of integrated digital certification systems reduce market confidence.

The consultation underscored the importance of aligning national veterinary systems with WOAH standards, enhancing laboratory and digital capabilities, and promoting regional cooperation, including potential initiatives like a regional vaccine bank for priority transboundary diseases.

The insights collected will inform the IOFS Study and support the development of targeted technical assistance, regional harmonization, and enhanced market access for Central Asian meat exports within the OIC framework.