EU–ASEAN Food Safety Forum 2015

From December 7 to 10, 2015, the EU–ASEAN Food Safety Forum, organized by the EU–Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI), was held in Kuala Lumpur.

This annual forum is jointly organized by EUMCCI and ASEAN with the aim of strengthening cooperation and dialogue between the EU and ASEAN economies, particularly in the field of food safety and the harmonization of food standards, in the context of the establishment of the ASEAN Community and the EU’s 50th anniversary.

This year’s forum attracted participation from most ASEAN member states and nearly 30 enterprises and international organizations partnering with EUMCCI.

The discussions also addressed the possibility that ASEAN could draw on the EU’s experience after 50 years of development, particularly in implementing measures to enhance the responsibility of food producers in ensuring food safety for consumers. Models of food safety management based on shared responsibility or centralized “one-stop” approaches were also discussed. Representatives of EUMCCI emphasized the need to further strengthen information exchange and harmonize food standards within ASEAN member states and between ASEAN and the EU.

The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting and cooperating with ASEAN member states in food trade as well as in ensuring food safety.

(Source: vfa.gov.vn)