In an initiative aimed at advancing vocational skills and improving agro-processing, representatives of four project partner universities participated in the intensive Training-of-Trainers (ToT) workshop on modern production and processing methods of dried fruits, says International Trade Center (ITC) in Tajikistan.
The workshop, held in Yerevan, Armenia on 5-8 February 2024, reportedly provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore contemporary techniques in dried fruits production and processing, quality management, and food safety assurance, among other crucial aspects.
Participation at this ToT was made possible thanks to the Government of Switzerland through the ITC’s Trade Promotion East: Balkan States and Central Asia Program.
Hosted by the Armenian National Agrarian University, the workshop's primary objective was in equipping teachers with the latest advancements in dried fruit production technology, enabling them to disseminate acquired knowledge among their students at universities in Dushanbe (Technological University of Tajikistan), Khujand (Polytechnic Institute of the Tajik Technical University), Kulob (Institute of Technology and Innovation Management), and Isfara (Technological University of Tajikistan branch). Furthermore, participants are expected to extend their expertise to dried fruit producers in Tajikistan through conducting a series of seminars, thereby fostering innovation and sustainability in the agro-processing sector.
Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, the ToT participants reportedly gained invaluable insights into optimizing production processes, ensuring product safety and quality, and mitigating risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
In addition to disseminating knowledge, participants are expected to catalyze changes within university curricula, integrating new methodologies and best practices into relevant disciplines. By aligning educational programs with industry demands, educators play a pivotal role in preparing students for successful careers in agribusiness sector while driving advancements in the field.
Taking this unique opportunity, the representatives of all four Tajik universities signed the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on cooperation with the Armenian National Agrarian University.
ITC’s Trade Promotion East (TPE) is funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Confederation. Tajikistan is one of four countries, together with Uzbekistan, Albania, and Serbia, selected to be part of the TPE program. The project will focus on the competitiveness and sustainable export growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the dried fruits sector, as well as improving the capacities of business support organizations (BSOs) to provide quality services to SMEs.
Over the last 30 years, around 500 million USD have been allocated in the form of grants to the Government of Tajikistan and the Tajik population. Within its Cooperation program for Central Asia (2022-2025), Switzerland focuses on supporting economic, social, and democratic development, promoting an integrated and regional approach in the complex field of transboundary water management, strengthening economic ties, and promoting good governance.
