QUETTA (6 AM Report): Mr. Robert Skidmore, Head of Enterprise & Competitiveness Section and Project Executive of the EU-funded GRASP Project, United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, visited the headquarters of the Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) in Quetta. He was accompanied by Mr. Jahanzeb Khan, Provincial Lead โ GRASP Project Balochistan.
During the visit, Director General Balochistan Food Authority, Mr. Waqar Khursheed Alam, briefed Mr. Skidmore on the overall functions, initiatives, and achievements of the Authority, with a particular focus on the utilisation of the support extended under the EU-funded GRASP Project.
On the occasion, the official handing-over ceremony of furniture and equipment for the BFA Training School was held. This support aims to strengthen the Authorityโs capacity in food safety awareness, professional training, and technical learning.
It is noteworthy that BFA has also received modern laboratory equipment through the GRASP Project, which is already being effectively utilised at the Scientific Laboratory for advanced food testing and research purposes.
Furthermore, under the GRASP Project, BFA was also provided with a state-of-the-art Mobile Testing Laboratory two years ago, which has since been actively deployed for on-spot testing of food items. The facility ensures timely detection of unsafe or substandard products and plays a crucial role in strengthening enforcement of food safety standards across the province.
In addition, ITC has facilitated exposure visits for BFA officers, enabling them to gain valuable international learning experiences, adopt best practices, and enhance professional skills to improve food safety management in Balochistan.
Mr. Robert Skidmore appreciated the initiatives of the Authority, highlighting that the mission of providing safe and healthy food is of critical importance. He also assured that the GRASP Project will continue extending technical support to BFA to help align its systems with international standards.
The Balochistan Food Authority expressed gratitude to the European Union, ITC, and the GRASP Project for their continued support, which has significantly contributed to building institutional infrastructure, enhancing technical expertise, and safeguarding public health and consumer rights across the province.
