Monday 08 / September / 2025
Salalah: The Regional Workshop of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for the Near East and North Africa region commenced today in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. The four-day event brings together over 30 experts and specialists from 20 countries.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources for Agriculture.
The workshop programme includes discussions on outcomes from the latest session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, updates on the activities of the Standards and Implementation Committees, and results of technical consultations on new international standards.
Participants will also address emerging issues such as the impacts of climate change and e-commerce, as well as regional initiatives to develop standards for the propagation materials of strategic crops including date palms, citrus fruits, and olives. The workshop will further explore innovation and digital transformation through electronic phytosanitary certification and modern monitoring platforms.
A key focus of the workshop is strengthening institutional and technical capacities in areas such as laboratory diagnostics, early warning systems, and monitoring tools, contributing to enhanced responses to pest and disease risks.
The event aims to update national plant protection organizations on the latest developments related to the IPPC, formulate a unified regional stance on draft international standards for phytosanitary measures, and submit regional recommendations for the consultations scheduled in 2025. It also seeks to build capacities, raise awareness, and promote the exchange of technical expertise at the regional level.
