Harnessing Production and Trade of Fortified Food in Afghanistan & Central Asian Region

Transcription

1 Harnessing Production and Trade of Fortified Food in Afghanistan & Central Asian Region Stakeholder Consultation Ramada Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan June 15, 2015 Session Report 1

2 Table of Contents 1 Background 2 2 Participants 3 3. Objective of the Session 4 4. Session Summaries 5 5, Key Discussion Matters Conclusion 15 Annexure A: List of Participants Annexure B: Agenda Annexure C: Picture 1

3 1 BACKGROUND Undernutrition affects most countries in Central and South Asia. In Afghanistan the prevalence of anemia, an indicator of iron deficiency, has ranged from 50-75%, and night blindness, an indicator of vitamin A deficiency, is more than 20%. The primary source of food energy intake in the region is wheat flour, most of which is not fortified. Kazakhstan, the world s number one exporter of milled flour, exports wheat and wheat flour to Afghanistan and other neighboring countries. Fortification of flour, as well as cooking oils, can be a vehicle for providing adequate level of nutrition in the diets and help offset some of the micronutrient deficiencies for different segments of the target population. The food fortification provides opportunities to improve public health through private sector and government support specifically by increasing the export of fortified wheat from Kazakhstan and Pakistan, and fortified cooking oils from Pakistan. By harmonizing import export policies and standards, the initiative can also play a role in improving the trade environment to increase commerce and regional connectivity. With the goal to improve processes, regulations, and monitoring related to wheat flour and edible oil fortification, in order to address ongoing micronutrient deficiency in the region following objectives were defined for Central Asia Regional (CAR) Food Fortification Initiative: i. Increase supply of micronutrients to Central Asia and Afghanistan through fortification of wheat flour and vegetable oil; ii. Strengthen quality control and enforcement of wheat flour and oil fortification with special attention to imported products; iii. Facilitate harmonization of standards for fortification in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan; and iv. Introduce and test mechanisms to assess extension of use and quality of fortified products at the consumer level in Afghanistan and in some of the other CAR countries. To achieve above noted objectives GAIN as part of CAR Food Fortification Initiative Project has been working on number of research initiatives which includes industry assessment, supply chain study and legislative comparative analysis in CAR countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. During April and May 2015 the consultants of GAIN performed extensive work on compilation of their reports on regional supply chain, legislative comparative analysis and industry survey in Pakistan. Feedback from key stakeholders on said studies has been considered very critical to secure valuable inputs on the facts highlighted and conclusions drawn, to secure ownership from stakeholders and to have conceptual agreement on next steps at country and regional level. For this purpose along with National Fortification Alliance (NFA) of Pakistan a one day Stakeholder Consultation Session on Harnessing Production and Trade of Fortified Food Supplies for Afghanistan and CAR was organized on June 15, 2015 in Islamabad, Pakistan. This report presents the information about the event participants, objectives, sessions held, suggestions made and next steps agreed. 2

4 2 PARTICIPANTS Meeting participants included representatives from variety of stakeholders in Pakistan including Government, Development Partners, Flour Millers and Edible Oil Refinery Associations, Academia etc. Below is a list of the organizations represented: S.No. Organization Type 1 National Fortification Alliance, Pakistan Public Private 2 Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Government Coordination, Pakistan 3 Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Government 4 Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Government 5 Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority Government 6 Planning Commission of Pakistan Government 7 Punjab Food Authority Government 8 Department of Health, Baluchistan Government 9 Food Department, KPK Government 10 Food Department, Punjab Government 11 Food & Agriculture Organization Pakistan Development Partner 12 Micronutrition Initiative Development Partner 13 UNICEF Pakistan Development Partner 14 USAID Pakistan Development Partner 15 World Food Program Pakistan Development Partner 16 Genera Pharma Private Sector 17 Pakistan Flour Millers Association Private Sector 18 Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturer Association Private Sector 19 Government College, University Academia 20 National Institute of Food Science & Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Academia List of participants of the event is presented in Annexure A to this report. 3

5 3 OBJECTIVE The main objectives of the event were: 1. Present and discuss the latest international evidence on the benefits and impact of food fortification; 2. To share with the participants the preliminary results of the following studies / research being performed by the consultants of GAIN in Pakistan, Afghanistan and CAR Countries: i. Legislative & Policy Analysis of Central Asian Countries, Pakistan & Afghanistan; ii. iii. iv. Regional Trade Flow Analysis; Industry Assessment of Major Exporting Wheat Flour Mills and Edible Oil Refineries in Pakistan; and Policy Harmonization Assessment. 3. To secure feedback on facts reported, analysis performed, critical findings reported and recommendations made; and 4. To develop consensus on most critical areas in which intervention is required. 4

6 4 SESSION SUMMARIES The agenda was divided into three parts over one day (Annex B): Part 1: Introduction, Latest Global Evidence on benefits / impact of fortification Part 2: Technical Presentations Part 3: Plenary Discussion Regional Harmonization and Fortification in Pakistan Part 1: Introduction, Latest Global Evidence on benefits / impact of fortification Session 1: Welcome Remarks By: Mr. Sajjad Imran, Country Manager GAIN Pakistan Objective: To thank all the participants on their participation, provide background of CAR Project, share the objectives of the event and introduce key speakers. Format: Mr. Sajjad Imran welcomed all participants and provided good background of CAR Project funded by USAID and how it has been working toward harmonizing the food fortification efforts in CAR, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also briefed the participants on GAIN s efforts to support food fortification in the region and Pakistan. He introduced the studies being performed by the consultants of GAIN as part of CAR Project. He requested all participants to critically review the information shared with them as part of this event and provide their feedback so that results of these studies could be finalized in effective manner. This session took 15 minutes Session 2: Opening Remarks By: Mr. Michael Trueblood, Economic Director USAID Pakistan Objective: Provide views from USAID on CAR Project and importance of this event. Mr. Michael Trueblood explained the importance of food fortification and how USAID has been keeping food fortification as integral part of their health sector development initiatives. He shared his commitment on behalf of USAID on making this regional initiative successful with the participation of Private and Public Sector. He mentioned that he look forward to productive discussion on analysis and findings of the consultants on various studies being performed. This session took 15 minutes Session 3: Opening Remarks By: Dr. Baseer Achakzai. Secretary NFA Objective: To give an overview of the meeting and share its objectives with the participants. Mr. Achakzai said, there is strong evidence that most of the countries in Central and South Asia has high rate of undernutrition. Micronutrient malnutrition is widely spread among these countries and particularly women and children are at high risk. The most commonly found micronutrient deficiencies include Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine and Zinc. These micronutrient deficiencies are resulting not only poor health and nutrition indicators but also economic losses in term of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is estimated that 2-3% GDP is lost by these countries on account of micronutrient deficiencies, unfortunately Pakistan and Afghanistan are among these countries. He said that Ministry 5

7 of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has took number of initiative for addressing micronutrient malnutrition along with the support of our development partners in Pakistan. He mentioned that National Wheat Flour Fortification Program was started in 2007 by Nutrition Wing Ministry of Health Services and program made good progress by reaching large number of population. He said that Pakistan has an important role in improving the food security and nutrition in the region including Afghanistan. As GAIN and USAID has recently embarked their efforts for fortification of staple foods in the south and central Asian regional countries, so we welcome and appreciate their efforts for this. Under the National Fortification Alliance of Government of Pakistan, our ministry is ready to provide full support to such efforts. The today s consultative meeting is part of these efforts to support regional fortification. This session took 15 minutes Session 4: Latest Global Evidence on benefits / impact of fortification By: Mr. Munawar Hussain, Project Manager GAIN Pakistan Objective: To present the global evidence of how large scale food fortification can have positive impact on the nutrition population in a country and to share GAIN s experience in assessing the contribution of LSFF programs using the Fortification Coverage Assessment Tool. Mr. Hussain shared presentation developed by GAIN Geneva on global evidence of large scale food fortification programs. He shared recent examples from different countries across the globe where large scale food fortification programs have been successfully implemented to address the deficiencies of minerals and vitamins. He said that large scale food fortification can play an effective role in reducing malnutrition in developing countries. For this purpose number of examples were also shared with the participants. Importance of private public partnership was highlighted. It was also highlighted that how GAIN is helping developing countries in managing their national nutritional needs. He also shared GAIN experience in assessing the contribution of LSFF programs using the Fortification Coverage Assessment Tool. This session took 30 minutes. 6

8 Session 4: Updates on Fortification Activities in Afghanistan By: Mr. Mohibullah Wahdati of GAIN Afghanistan Objective: To inform the participants about the current nutritional facts of Afghanistan and what efforts are being made by the Government of Afghanistan, Development Partners and GAIN in fortification of food products in Afghanistan. Mr. Wahdati presented the nutritional status of Afghanistan, its impact and measures being taken and planned to counter negative nutritional conditions. He also explained how and to which extent food security of Afghanistan is dependent on import of key food products from neighboring and other countries. He informed that GAIN in Afghanistan has been working with ANSA in development of food fortification standards related to Wheat Flour and Edible Oil. Accordingly, ANSA which is the standard setting body in Afghanistan has set standards for Fortified Wheat Flour and Edible Oil in Afghanistan. But these standards are not mandatory for compliance since ANSA only approves standards which are recommendatory in nature. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Afghanistan along with Development Partners are currently working on a new Food Law and making Wheat Flour and Edible Oil fortification standards mandatory through legislation in the Parliament of Afghanistan. GAIN has also been recognizant of cost of fortification and its impact on increase in cost of food products. In the presentation Mr. Wahdati presented per unit cost of fortification as % to current retail price of Wheat Flour and Edible Oil. Mr. Wahdati also highlighted the need for involvement of Governments and Private Sector in Pakistan and CAR especially from Kazakhstan to ensure compliance with fortification standards of Afghanistan while exporting their products to Afghanistan. The participants of the session showed interest in food fortification requirements in Afghanistan and how industry from Pakistan could play an effective role in fortification of food products being exported to Afghanistan. CAR project is critical for the success of Food Fortification Interventions in Afghanistan. This session took 30 minutes 7

9 Part 2: Technical Presentations Session 1: Legislative & Policy Analysis of Central Asian Countries, Pakistan & Afghanistan By: Mr. Kalimuddin Ghauri, Partner, Synergy Advisory & Solutions, Consultant GAIN Objective: To present the Legislative and Policy Comparative Analysis of four CAR countries namely, (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), Pakistan and Afghanistan. As part of this analysis following areas were analyzed: i. Fortification Legislation ii. Taxation & Tax Privileges iii. Import & Export Duties iv. Pertinent WTO Trade Regulations v. Enforcement Legislation vi. Governing & Controlling Authorities Findings: Mr. Ghauri presented in detail the regional comparative analysis in above noted clusters and shared following key findings: i. Wheat Fortification is mandatory in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan whereas, in Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan it is recommendatory; ii. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan as per national standards wheat flour is required to be fortified with Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B9 and Iron and Zinc. Whereas, in Pakistan and Afghanistan recommendatory standards require fortification with Iron and folic acid; iii. In CAR countries multiple Vitamin B(s) were included as part of ADB Project in Central Asia during As per technical experts the need for inclusion of Vitamin B1, B2 & B3 in the fortification may not require for significant positive impact on the nutritional condition of the population. Accordingly, there is possibility that wheat flour standards could be harmonized. But this will require additional technical discussion at regional level before harmonization of wheat flour standards; iv. Edible Oil fortification was only compared between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Pakistan the fortification of edible oil is mandatory with Vitamin A whereas, in Afghanistan it is recommended for fortification with Vitamin A & D; v. Non-availability of premix for fortification; vi. Millers in Pakistan are generally not aware of the fortification requirements of Afghanistan; vii. There is significant involvement of traders in import of wheat flour in Afghanistan which make supply chain complex; viii. Most of the millers are willing to fortify, if required, from buyers for compliance with regulations in Afghanistan; ix. Retail price of Wheat Flour & Edible Oil is a sensitive issue accordingly, absorption of fortification cost need significant deliberation; x. The premix is subject to material taxation and custom tariff which has significant impact on cost of fortification. Pakistan has the highest level which is 71.9% of premix base cost. 8

10 During this session good interactive discussion held as part of which following matters were highlighted: i. The matter of discussion is Regional Harmonization whereas, in Pakistan we need to have harmonization. With respect to fortified wheat flour there are three different standards are in place which are as follows: a. Standard approved by Punjab Food Authority which require fortification with Iron EDTA at 20 ppm level; b. Standard approved by PSQCA which require fortification with Iron EDTA at 10 ppm level; and Pakistan Flour Mills Association offered to host discussions between key stake holders and regulatory bodies to agree on one national standards for fortification of wheat flour. It was agreed by the meeting that there is a need for harmonization of standards at country level as well. ii. iii. iv. All participant agreed that there is need for complete exemption from taxes and duties of premix imported for fortification food products. In this regard required necessary steps should be taken. This matter should be considered at regional level so that fortification premix could be fully exempted from taxes and import tariff in all CAR countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. With respect to exports to Afghanistan making wheat flour and edible oil mandatory is critical since traders / importers will not require flour millers and oil refineries to fortify their products unless it is mandatory. Regulatory compliance and quality assurance has been weak for both wheat flour and edible oil accordingly there is need for some mechanism to ensure that quality is ensured of fortified food products both for domestic consumption and exports to Afghanistan. v. Kazakhstan which is one of the largest exporter of wheat flour to Afghanistan has local mandatory fortification requirements but exports made from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan are not fortified. This will be further investigated during assessment of Kazakhstan industry. This session took 60 minutes. 9

11 Session 2: Regional Trade Flow Analysis By: Ms. Geraldine Baudienville, Director Altai Consulting, Consultant GAIN Objective: To present trade flow analysis of CAR countries, Pakistan & Afghanistan Ms. Geraldine presented the result of the regional trade flows of CAR, Pakistan and Afghanistan which included following data sets: i. Production of wheat and wheat flour by country; ii. Local consumption and exports within and outside of the region; iii. Production of edible oil by countries and its import and local consumption levels; iv. Transportation networks; v. Trade Regulations; and vi. Identification key regional trade players for wheat flour and edible oil Some of the key matters highlighted are as follows: i. Pakistan and Kazakhstan contributes around 60% & 40% of wheat flour imports of Afghanistan, respectively; ii. Kazakhstan wheat flour is exported directly to Afghanistan and also through other CAR countries; iii. Most of the imports of edible oil / ghee in Afghanistan is from countries outside of the region. Only Pakistan is a country which exports ghee to Afghanistan in the region; iv. Pakistan has significant share of exports of wheat flour and edible oil / ghee export to Afghanistan accordingly, involvement of private producers, government and other stakeholders in Pakistan is critical for any large scale food fortification in Afghanistan. Participants appreciated the information collected and presented which provide good insight on trade flows of wheat flour and edible oil at regional level. This session took 35 minutes 10

12 Session 3: Industry Assessment of Major Exporting Wheat Flour Mills and Edible Oil Refineries in Pakistan By: Ms. Geraldine Baudienville, Director Altai Consulting, Consultant GAIN & Mr. Kalimuddin Ghauri, Partner, Synergy Advisory & Solutions, Consultant GAIN Objective: To present the industry assessment of major exports from Pakistan of wheat flour and edible oil and share critical findings of the assessment. A detail presentation of industry assessment was given. It was explained that the assessment is ongoing and some new findings and facts may come up later. But the assessment team felt it will be better to secure comments and suggestions from key stakeholders in Pakistan on the results of the assessment. Following coverage of the assessment was presented: i. Extensive fieldwork was conducted in Pakistan by Altai Consulting and Synergy Advisory & Solutions for a study commissioned by GAIN. ii. Over 15 cities were visited including Islamabad and other major flour and edible oil production centers with a total of 43 interviews1: iii. 19 interviews with milling facilities representing ~54% of total export volumes to Afghanistan iv. 7 interviews with vegetable oil/ghee refineries representing ~69% of total export volumes to Afghanistan v. 17 key informant interviews with key market stakeholders Following industry assessment findings and recommendations were shared: Findings i. Lack of demand from Afghanistan: lack of awareness of end consumers in Afghanistan with less than 1% of them being aware of fortification and its benefits according to the 2010 Industrial Wheat Flour and Edible Vegetable Oil and Ghee in Afghanistan; ii. iii. iv. Weak legal and regulatory environment in Afghanistan where fortification has not (yet) been made compulsory; Importance of informal trade between Afghanistan & Pakistan which makes its hard to control trade including quality of products traded; and Afghanistan is a price-sensitive market and fortification would increase price of end products impairing competitiveness of Pakistani products against products imported from other countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, India, etc.). 11

13 Recommendations i. Increase awareness of end consumers but also traders, importers along the market chain ii. iii. iv. Educate consumers about fortified product pricing; there should be a demand for fortified products as more than half (54%) of Afghans declare that they would be ready to pay more for fortified products Harmonize fortification standards between Afghanistan and Pakistan to ensure products made and fortified in Pakistan are in line with standards required in Afghanistan Improve quality controls in Pakistan and Afghanistan to ensure implementation of standards: these checks/controls should be implemented all along the market chain from production facilities to markets in Pakistan and Afghanistan including at border control points Participants mentioned that involvement of traders is significant accordingly, they should also be included in the assessment. This session took 35 minutes. Session 4: Policy Harmonization Assessment By:MrChuck Lambert, USAID Afghanistan Objective: To present the policy harmonization assessment performed by Mr. Chuck the Trade Advisor on one of the Project of USAID in Afghanistan. Mr. Chuck shared the fact from his own assessment about the fortification standards in the regions and how these could be harmonized. One of the key matters identified by Mr. Chuck was potential for harmonization of fortification standards in four CAR countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, since as per him Vitamin B1, B2 & B3 fortification requirements in CAR countries can be modified since from technical perspective Vitamin B may not have significant positive impact on the nutrition conditions of population in CAR Countries. But this is need to be validated by experts. 12

14 Part 3: Plenary Discussion Session 1: Regional Harmonization & Fortification in Pakistan By: Mr. Kalimuddin Ghauri, Partner, Synergy Advisory & Solutions, Consultant GAIN,Mr. Munawar Hussain of GAIN Pakistan, & Dr. Khawaja Masuood Ahmad, National Coordinator NFA Objective: Deliberate the key facts about harmonization of fortification standards, taxation regime and quality and regulatory framework. After good discussion following key opportunities for harmonization were identified: i. Harmonization of fortification standards after technical deliberations within Pakistan and at regional level; ii. Awareness of Private Sector on Afghanistan Food Fortification Standards; iii. Augmentation of enforcement mechanisms in Afghanistan; iv. Reduction or elimination of taxes and custom tariffs on premix to reduce fortification cost; v. Augmentation of quality control and enforcement mechanisms. During Plenary Session, it was discussed to convene a consultative, consensus building meeting under NFA involving, all stakeholders, regulatory bodies and provinces to develop/ harmonize the fortification standards for Wheat Flour and Edible Oil and Ghee. As far as harmonization with the region is concerned, It was agreed that fortification standards will be formulated as per WHO recommendations in Pakistan, as this would be a step forward for regional harmonization. It was also discussed that strong advocacy would be required with key policy makers of government of Pakistan for managing the tax exemption on fortification premix. The National Fortification Alliance will play its effective role to secure the tax exemption. The development partners may provide technical support to NFA for execution of this important task. This session took 30 minutes. 13

15 5 KEY DISCUSSION MATTERS Below is a summary of the critical matters discussed for future deliberations: i. Pakistan being one of the significant exporter of wheat flour and edible / ghee to Afghanistan Government of Pakistan and Trade Associations need to track exports in more effective manner. GAIN informed the participants that after due follow-ups with Ministry of Commerce, Export Promotion Bureau and National Statistic Department we were not able find any authentic official data on export of wheat flour and edible oil from Pakistan on overall basis or only to Afghanistan. It was agreed GAIN will follow with Ministry of Commerce and also check with Associations and provincial chapters of Export Promotion Bureau of Pakistan in KPK and Baluchistan in this regard. ii. iii. iv. Technical review of existing standards with the objective to identify potential for harmonization and how maximize compliance with applicable standards of importing countries. For the purpose of export to Afghanistan, MoPH of Afghanistan and ANSA should create awareness among Pakistani millers and refineries regarding their fortification standards. There is need for harmonization in wheat flour standards in Pakistan accordingly, initiative is taken to have discussion between provincial health departments, PSQCA, provincial food departments and NFA so one standard could be following in whole country. v. Cost of fortification is a sensitive issue accordingly, material taxes and custom tariffs should be reduced to 0% for premix imports in Pakistan. This matter should be discussed at regional level for harmonized policy in this regard. vi. Quality management and regulation enforcement is weak in almost all territories accordingly, measures should be made to make this area more effective both for in country consumption and exports. For this purpose harmonization is possible in: a. Quality tests to be performed including its frequency; b. Record keeping of test results and reporting thereof at country and regional level; and c. Food product labeling and licensing of food product brands. d. Repercussion to industry for non-compliance quality standards; e. Social marketing techniques; f. Responsibility for execution of effective monitoring function. vii. Edible oil although mandatory for fortification with Vitamin A in Pakistan, but as per recent market studies level of actual fortification is low. The industry has its own apprehensions related to availability of poor quality ghee and edible oil from non-regulated sector and issues around packing of fortified edible oil and ghee. 14

16 6 CONCLUSION All participants appreciated the efforts of GAIN for organizing such an informative event in which local Pakistani stakeholders were able to have regional view of wheat flour and edible / ghee trade, legislative standards and quality enforcement mechanisms. Discussions at this event highlighted areas in which there is potential for harmonization. Further evidence is needed in areas that have been identified as critical for success including making fortification standards mandatory in Afghanistan, awareness to exporters in Pakistan and augmenting quality enforcement mechanisms at regional level as stated in section 5 above. These initiatives will not only accelerate the fortification learning curve but will also translate into improved policies and delivery models to accelerate progress towards the goal of controlling and eliminating micronutrient malnutrition in Afghanistan specifically at regional level generally. 15

17 ANNEXURE A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Sr. No. Name Designation Organization 1 Ms. Geraline Baudienville Director Altai Consulting 2 Mr. Syed Muhammad Shareef Balochistan PFMA 3 Mr. Haji Abdul Wahed Vice Chairman Balochistan PFMA 4 Mr. Ghulam Mustafa MO Nutrition Department of Health - Baluchistan 5 Dr. Nomeena Anis Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) 6 Mr. Asmat Ullah Deputy Director Food Department - KPK 7 Mr. Mohibullah Wahdati Deputy Country Manager GAIN Afghanistan 8 Mr. Munnawar Hussain Project Manager GAIN Pakistan 9 Mr. Sajjad Imran Country Manager GAIN Pakistan 10 Mr. Salman Farooq Manager, SUN Buiness Network GAIN Pakistan 11 Mr. Faud Hamid Assistant Project Manager GAIN Pakistan 12 Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum Head of Department Government College University 13 Dr Farhan Saeed Assistant Professor Government College University 14 Dr. Sajid Ashraf Assistant Professor Government College University 15 Mr. Waseem Butt Chief Executive Officer Genera Pharma 16 Mr. Aniq Genera Pharma 17 Dr.Fateh Sher Sipra Additional Director IRMNCH 18 Mr. Tausif Akhtar Janjua Country Director Micronutrient Initiative (MI) 19 Dr.Ahsanullah Khan NPM Micronutrient Initiative (MI) 20 Mr. Yousaf Rasool Section Officer Ministry of Commerce, Islamabad 21 Dr. Baseer Achakzai Secretary NFA & Director Nutrition Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination (MNHSR&C) 22 Mr. Imran Anwar National Coordinator Nutrition Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination (MNHSR&C) 23 Dr Khawaja Masood National Coordinator National Fortification Alliance (NFA) 24 Dr. Imran Pasha Director General National Institute of Food Science & Technology, (NIFST) University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 25 Dr. Sakhawat Ali Director Planning Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) 26 Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Sher Director Food Food Department - Punjab 27 Mr. Tariq Sarwar Chairman Central Committee Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) 28 Mr. Mian Anjum Ishaq Chairman Punjab Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) 29 Mr. Muhammad Naeem Butt Chairman KPK Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) 30 Mr. M. Aslam Shaheen Chief Nutrition Section Planning Commission Pakistan - Planning & Development Department 31 Mr. Nazir Hussain Director General Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) 32 Mr. Umer Islam Khan Secretary General Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturer Association (PVMA) 33 Mr. Kalimuddin Ghauri Partner Synergy Advisory & Solutions 34 Mr. Ayub Joseh Administration Manager Synergy Advisory & Solutions 35 Mr. Junaid Abbass Audit Manager Synergy Advisory & Solutions 36 Miss. Bisma Qureshi Assistant Project Manager Synergy Advisory & Solutions 37 Mr.Umer khan Chief Nutrition Section UNICEF 38 Mr. Micheal Trueblood Economic Director USAID Pakistan 39 Dr. Khizar Tauseef Ahmed Ashraf Program Officer World Food Program (WFP) 16

18 ANNEXURE B: AGENDA Scheduled Time Sessions Facilitators 09.00to Registration of Guests to Welcome Address Mr. Sajjad Imran Country Manager GAIN 09:45 to 10:00 Opening Remarks Michael Trueblood USAID 10:00 to 10:15 Purpose of the meeting Snapshot of fortification efforts in the region Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai NFA to Latest Global Evidence on benefits / impact of fortification 10:45 to Updates on Fortification Activities in Afghanistan to Tea Break to Legislative & Policy Analysis of Central Asian Countries, Pakistan & Afghanistan to Regional Trade Flows Analysis to Industry assessment of major exporting wheat flour mills and edible oil refineries in Pakistan to Session Summary to pm Prayer and Lunch Break to Re union and networking to Policy harmonization assessment (video link) 2.45 to 3.00 Plenary Discussion: Regional harmonization and fortification in Pakistan, GAIN Pakistan Munawar Hussain Dr. Mohibullah Wahdati GAIN Afghanistan Kalimuddin Ghauri Geraldine Geraldine/Kalimuddin Ghauri Chuck Lambert USAID Kalimuddin Ghauri & Munawar Hussain 3.00 to 3.15 Vote of thanks Mr. Sajjad Imran, Country Manager GAIN 17

19 ANNEXURE C: PICTURES 18

20 For more details please contact: Dora Panagides Senior Manager Portfolio Management GAIN Geneva, Switzerland (+41) Anton Luchitsky Regional Manager, GAIN Washington DC, USA (+1)