The Closing Workshop of the STDF PG 755 Project, “Strengthening Phytosanitary Compliance to Boost Seed Trade in the Asia-Pacific Region,” was held on 8–9 July 2026 at Bellevue Hotel Alabang. The event brought together representatives from the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, along with key partners from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), International Seed Federation (ISF), CropLife Asia, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), and the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI).

­

The workshop marks the successful completion of a regional initiative that has strengthened phytosanitary systems, enhanced technical capacity, and promoted safe and sustainable seed trade across the Asia-Pacific region. Through comprehensive capacity assessments, participating countries identified key institutional and technical gaps and developed science-based, risk-based actions aligned with international phytosanitary standards.

­

The STDF PG 755 Project was implemented by the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), in collaboration with the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), CropLife Asia, the International Seed Federation (ISF), and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), with funding from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). It was designed to help developing and least-developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region strengthen compliance with international phytosanitary standards through capacity building, improved regulatory systems, digital innovations such as the electronic Phytosanitary Certificate (ePhyto), and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

­

The project also improved regulatory frameworks by translating international standards into practical national guidelines, while technical training enhanced competencies in export certification and phytosanitary implementation. Equally important, it strengthened public-private partnerships among government agencies, industry, laboratories, researchers, and other stakeholders, fostering greater collaboration and shared responsibility in protecting plant health while facilitating trade.

­

During the closing workshop, participating countries reflected on the project’s key accomplishments, shared best practices and lessons learned, and discussed strategies for sustaining the gains achieved under the initiative. The discussions emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), regional organizations, and the private sector to further harmonize phytosanitary measures and facilitate the safe movement of seeds across borders.

­

As the project concludes, its achievements provide a strong foundation for continued regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and sustained commitment to strengthening phytosanitary systems that support resilient agriculture, protect plant resources, and promote safe international seed trade.