On April 15, the International Trade Centre (ITC) held a technical seminar and practical workshop in Bishkek to support the development of Kyrgyzstan's dried fruit sector. The event was part of the EU-funded Ready4Trade Central Asia project.
Held at the "Tekhnolog" training center of Kyrgyz State Technical University, the seminar brought together technologists and managers from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Batken, Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Chui regions. Participants were selected based on a 2024 project survey.
Led by ITC international consultant Anton Erwee, co-founder of Source Handmade Foods (South Africa), the training focused on modern drying and processing technologies, product safety and quality requirements, and the development of new product lines.
"The dried fruit sector in Kyrgyzstan has strong export potential thanks to the country's climate, fertile land, and rich agricultural traditions," Erwee said. "Our goal is to equip producers with the tools to meet international standards and diversify their offerings."
Stefano Corrado, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, emphasized: "Supporting MSMEs is vital for job creation, innovation, and economic sustainability. High-quality, natural dried fruits from Kyrgyzstan can compete not only in regional markets but also in the EU, where demand for safe, natural products is growing."
The seminar is part of a broader 2024–2028 initiative to boost inclusive trade, enhance export capacity, and create rural economic opportunities in Central Asia, including trade facilitation and improved regional connectivity through the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
Source: economist.kg