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MHP and WTO Addressing Global Trade Challenges

On May 12, Mykhailo Bno-Airiian, the Vice-President for Global Affairs at MHP, held an important meeting with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), in Geneva. This discussion focused on pressing issues within international agricultural trade and how to effectively overcome the regulatory, sanitary, and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers that exporters currently face.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

During the meeting, MHP, in collaboration with the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, put forth a series of proposals aimed at enhancing the transparency and efficiency of international SPS procedures. The aim was to make it easier for Ukrainian exporters to access new markets, undergo necessary audits, and navigate through equivalence procedures without excessive delays.

A significant point raised was the obstructive nature of long and unpredictable market access approval processes, which can linger unresolved for years, ultimately functioning as indirect barriers to trade. Such delays are detrimental not only to businesses but also to global food supply chains, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Additionally, the introduction of remote and hybrid audit mechanisms was suggested, as well as establishing international standards for digital verification and updated compliance tools in food trade. These advancements are vital for adapting to the changing dynamics of global commerce.

Proposal for Regular International Dialogue

To further strengthen cooperation and action in addressing these challenges, representatives from the Ukrainian business sector proposed the establishment of a regular international platform for high-level dialogue. This forum would convene the WTO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), governmental bodies, and agricultural sector business leaders. The goal would be to discuss food security issues globally and modernize international trade procedures.

Mykhailo Bno-Airiian highlighted, “Regulatory and phytosanitary requirements are crucial in the global trade of food products. Ensuring compliance is essential not just for consumer safety, but also for fostering trust between different markets and nations. However, we’re witnessing instances where certain regulatory mechanisms are used not merely for safety controls but also as tools to limit market access for specific products. Therefore, these issues demand transparency and international oversight.”

This initiative from MHP aims to create a constructive dialogue between businesses and governmental institutions regarding the application of SPS measures and regulatory frameworks in global trade.

Continued Communication with WTO

This meeting also represented a continuous dialogue that began earlier in the year, initially occurring in Davos during the World Economic Forum. Over the past few months, Mykhailo Bno-Airiian and Okonjo-Iweala have kept the communication lines open, addressing the evolving challenges in international trade, the critical need for food security in a complicated geopolitical landscape, and the requirement for more transparent and predictable market access mechanisms for agricultural products.

About MHP

MHP SE stands as one of Europe's largest poultry producers and a prominent international food and agricultural group. The company's vertically integrated model spans the entire supply chain—from grain cultivation and feed production to poultry farming, processing, and distribution. MHP's expansive market reach includes exports to over 70 countries, with the corporation proudly listed on the London Stock Exchange.

In conclusion, as international dialogue continues, the outcomes of discussions like these are crucial for navigating the complexities of global trade and ensuring fair access and supply across borders.