The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA) recently visited Suriname as part of the Makandra program, an initiative of the Dutch government aimed at strengthening bilateral relationships and transferring knowledge to support long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Working together with the Surinamese government and industry stakeholders, the NVWA explored the possibilities of cooperation to enhance the processing and trade of Suriname’s production, ensuring it meets international standards for quality, plant health, and food safety.
The Makandra program facilitates tailored support for Suriname, enabling them to strengthen their food industry and improve their position in the global market. The NVWA’s expertise in food safety and quality control is expected to be a significant asset to this partnership.
Suriname’s agricultural sector is a vital source of income for many citizens, with exports of timber, fish, and agricultural produce comprising a significant portion of the country’s GDP. However, there are concerns over the quality and safety of some of these exports, which could limit Suriname’s access to international markets.
The Makandra program aims to address these concerns by providing Suriname with the knowledge and expertise necessary to improve food processing and trade. The NVWA’s visit is an important step towards achieving this goal, with the agency able to provide guidance on best practices for food safety, quality control, and plant health.
The NVWA’s visit was also an opportunity for the agency to strengthen its relationship with Suriname, working together to promote sustainable and ethical food production practices. As the global demand for high-quality, safe, and sustainable food continues to grow, partnerships like this are essential for ensuring that countries can compete on the global market while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.
The Makandra program will continue to support Suriname’s food industry, providing tailored support and knowledge transfer to help the country meet international standards and strengthen its position in the global market. The NVWA’s visit is just one of many steps towards achieving this goal, and it is hoped that this partnership will continue to flourish in the coming years.