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Pact between BFDA and FSSAI Aims to Enhance Trade and Ease Compliance Burdens
Introduction: In a significant development aimed at bolstering food safety measures and enhancing bilateral trade, India and Bhutan have taken a decisive step forward with the approval of an Agreement between the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has greenlit the signing of this crucial pact, signaling a shared commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and promoting seamless trade relations between the two neighboring countries.
Key Highlights:
- Mutual Cooperation: The Agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate closely in the area of food safety, with the aim of fostering mutual trust and facilitating the exchange of safe and compliant food products.
- Facilitating Trade: BFDA, under the Ministry of Health of the Royal Government of Bhutan, will issue Health Certificates to certify compliance with the standards prescribed by FSSAI for food products exported to India. This streamlined process will enhance the ease of doing business and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders on both sides.
- Promoting Ease of Doing Business: By establishing clear guidelines and procedures for food safety compliance, the Agreement seeks to create a conducive environment for trade, thereby facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and fostering economic growth.
- Enhanced Consumer Protection: The collaborative efforts between BFDA and FSSAI are aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers in both countries by ensuring the safety and quality of food products circulating in the market.
- Strategic Partnership: The Agreement reflects the strong and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan, built on the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. By aligning their efforts in the critical area of food safety, the two nations are poised to further strengthen their bilateral relations and advance shared objectives.
Conclusion: As India and Bhutan embark on this collaborative endeavor in the realm of food safety, they reaffirm their commitment to promoting trade, fostering economic development, and safeguarding public health. The signing of the Agreement between BFDA and FSSAI heralds a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two nations, characterized by shared goals, mutual cooperation, and a commitment to excellence. By working together, India and Bhutan are poised to achieve greater heights in ensuring the safety and quality of food products, thereby benefiting consumers and stakeholders alike.
