Oman

Oman

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral

Oman

 Oman is a country in Southwest Asia on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. Neighboring countries include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Oman has a strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for crude oil. The geography of Oman is mountainous and arid. The government system is a monarchy; the chief of state and head of government is the sultan and prime minister. Oman is a member of the League of Arab States (Arab League) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Population Population Growth Rate Age Dependency Ratio Urban Population Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at Birth
4,520,471 (2021)
-0.506 annual % (2021)
41.966 % of working-age population (2021)
87.044 % of total (2021)
9.5 per 1,000 live births (2020)
74.757 years (2020)

Business Partners

Exporters

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2020 (USD thousand)

Share in Oman’s imports (%)

Total

28,403,649

100

United Arab Emirates

9,688,488

34.1

China

3,091,184

10.9

India

2,308,351

8.1

Japan

1,291,234

4.5

United States of America

1,129,864

4

Saudi Arabia

839,949

3

Germany

838,780

3

Qatar

747,622

2.6

Brazil

737,319

2.6

Korea, Republic of

610,735

2.2

Importers

Select your indicators

Value exported in 2020 (USD thousand)

Share in Oman’s exports (%)

Total

34,790,058

100

China

15,551,773

44.7

India

3,045,148

8.8

Korea, Republic of

2,176,821

6.3

United Arab Emirates

1,835,145

5.3

Saudi Arabia

1,651,689

4.7

Japan

1,467,607

4.2

United States of America

886,675

2.5

Taipei, Chinese

728,842

2.1

South Africa

662,745

1.9

Malaysia

647,010

1.9

Culture

 Oman is a welcoming, but conservative, country. Modest dress is appreciated, such as loose clothing covering arms and legs. The main religion in the country is Islam, specifically the branch of Islam known as Ibadism. Religion is very important in Oman and plays a large part in the daily life of most citizens.

If you are invited to visit on Omani household, it is recommended to bring a small, non-alcoholic gift, and to take off your shoes before entering. Conversations are likely to include questions about your personal life, including marital status, your age, religion, and your thoughts about Oman. These questions come from a genuine interest in getting to know you and are not meant to cause offence.

Economic Index

 GDP

64,648,393.04

 

GDP, PPP

246,068,248.30

 

GDP per capita, PPP

28,448.86

GDP per capita

12,659.7

 

Gini index 2020

30.75

 

 Inflation, consumer prices

-0.9

Social Media Stats in Oman

Facebook = 38.17%

Instagram = 28.48%

YouTube = 16.34%

Twitter = 8.92%

Pinterest = 7.42%

LinkedIn = 0.32%

Browser Market Share in Oman

Chrome = 72.7%

Safari = 16.22%

Samsung Internet = 3.58%

Edge = 3.31%

UC Browser = 1.73%

Opera = 1.33%

Natural Resources

 Oman has limited water resources. The country is dependent on groundwater and its limited rainfall (of around 100 millimeters annually) for about 65 percent of its water supply. The remaining 35 percent comes from desalinated seawater.

While grazing lands, land for agriculture, and wildlife have always provided the mainstay for food production, the marine environment and fishing were the most important resources in the coastal parts of the country.

Today, however, oil and gas, which have been exploited since the 1960s, are the most important resources of national income. Among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council Oman has one of the smallest proven oil reserves: 5,500 million barrels. More important are its gas reserves: 30,000 billion cubic feet.

Other resources include copper, chromite, magnesium, gold, coal, industrial ores and raw materials for building materials such as sand, silica, marble, and limestone.

The mining and quarrying sector in Kenya accounts for less than 1 percent of gross domestic product, with the majority being contributed by the soda ash operation at Lake Magadi in south-central Kenya. In 2010, Kenya’s share of the world’s soda ash production amounted to 4%. Cement, Fluorspar, and Petroleum refining were the other mining and mineral processing activities undertaken by the mining sector.

Standards

 The Directorate General of Specifications and Metrology (DGSM) at the MOCIIP is responsible for standardization, metrology, testing, quality control and quality assurance, conformity assessment and certification, and accreditation activities. Oman is harmonizing its technical regulations and standards at the GCC level and develops technical regulations and standards at the national level only if there is a pressing need, according to authorities.

Trade Agreements

 Under the FTA, Oman provides immediate duty-free access on virtually all industrial and consumer products in its tariff schedule, and it phased out tariffs on the remaining handful of products in 2019. The United States provides immediate duty-free access for 100 percent of Oman’s current exports of agricultural products to the United States. Oman is also a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which allows for duty-free trade between its members and with other countries with which it has a free trade agreement.

Import Tariffs

 Oman’s tariff schedule imposes duties, generally not exceeding 10 percent, on all foreign, non-American/GCC goods imports. Virtually all U.S.-origin products enjoy duty-free access, and Oman has phased out nearly all tariffs on the remaining handful of products. Tariff preference levels on certain textile and apparel products expired at the end of 2018.

Despite the entry into force of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2009, U.S. firms report some difficulty importing some goods duty-free. The Royal Oman Police Directorate General of Customs (ROP Customs) still occasionally collects customs duties on some bonded items transshipped to Oman by road via the UAE. Some American companies have reported that goods not individually engraved as “Made in the USA” do not receive the preferential treatment to which they are entitled under the FTA. In addition, some importers have reported that ROP Customs has denied duty-free entry to imports meeting the 35-percent American origin requirement for duty-free access, due to the presence of a few non-American parts in the same container. This practice is also in violation of the FTA. The FTA does not require the legalization or “casualization” of trading documents. The FTA also does not require shipments to originate in U.S. ports or airports, and it allows for transshipment by land.

The Oman Tax Authority imposes an excise tax on alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, pork and pork products and tobacco and tobacco products, ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent. Oman implements a 5-percent value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services, consistent with the GCC Unified Agreement.

Companies can request advance rulings based on tariff classification, customs valuation, or rules of origin through ROP Customs.

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Medical Devices in Kenya

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral

Medical Devices in Kenya

In Kenya, medical equipment must meet the following certification and standard requirements to ensure safety and quality in healthcare delivery.

1. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Certification:
 The KEBS is the national standards body of Kenya and is responsible for developing and implementing standards for various products, including medical equipment. The KEBS certification is mandatory for certain medical equipment, such as diagnostic imaging equipment, to ensure their safety and compliance with the relevant Kenyan standards.

2. Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Approval:
 The PPB is responsible for regulating the importation, exportation, manufacture, and sale of drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical devices in Kenya. Its approval is mandatory for all medical equipment in Kenya, including imported and locally manufactured equipment.

3. International Standards:
 The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develop international standards for various medical equipment. These standards ensure that the equipment is safe, reliable, and of good quality.

4. CE Marking:
 The CE Marking is a certification mark that indicates compliance with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). Medical equipment with the CE Marking is considered to comply with the relevant European standards and can be marketed in Kenya.

Registration Process:

  • ● Fill up the application form and submit the filled-up required document together with all required documents.
    ● Pay the appropriate fees as advised by the board’s officers.
    ● Once your application is approved you will receive a Certificate evidencing the registration of the medical device.
    ● An applicant for a manufacturer outside Kenya must file evidence of Power of Attorney from the manufacturer which authorizes him to speak for his principal on all matters relating to the application. The application process usually takes a period of three months.
  • Classification:
     Class A,B,C,D

Documents Required:
● Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT)
● Letter of Authorization for Authorized Representative
● Device Labelling
● Pre-verification certificate for Notified Body
● IFU, Patient information leaflet, promotional material
● Certificate of Analysis
● Information on sterilization methods and validation standard
● Regulatory Approval from the country of origin
● QMS certificate
Additional for Class B, C and D
● Essential Principles Checklist
● Design verification and validation
● Risk Analysis
● Clinical Evidence

Standards
 ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and IEC 60601.

Registration Timeline:
 Around 9-12 months

License Validity:
 5 years

Import Value
Key information about Kenya Imports: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Product
● Kenya Imports: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Product was reported at 195,063.899 USD th in Dec 2021
● This records an increase from the previous number of 127,959.759 USD th for Dec 2020
● Kenya Imports: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Product data is updated yearly, averaging 57,329.693 USD th from Dec 1995 to 2021, with 27 observations
● The data reached an all-time high of 195,063.899 USD th in 2021 and a record low of 16,843.881 USD th in 2000
● Kenya Imports: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Product data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
● The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sector – Table RT.UNCTAD.MPP:
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Product: Imports Value by Individual Economies and Territories

Top Importers
– Prodigy Pharmaceuticals Limited
– Philips East Africa Limited
– Coptic hospital
– AllMed Medical Supplies Limited
– SurgiPharm Limited

Competitors
1. Megascope Healthcare Ltd
 Megascope Healthcare is widely recognised as the most reliable supplier of quality medical equipment in Kenya, offering a wide selection of quality and affordable medical equipment.
Contact: +254 722 299 097
Email: info@megascopekenya.com

2. Phoenix Equipment Ltd
 The company is registered in Kenya as a supplier of medical equipment and solutions for the hospital field and homecare use with efficient distribution channels to supply efficiently across Eastern Africa.
Location: Visions Plaza, Mombasa Road, Nairobi
Contact: 0728 853 905
Email: info@phoenixequipltd.com

3. Toda Medical Supplies
 Toda Ltd is regionally recognised as distributors of medical equipment and devices for Intervention radiology, ENT, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, urology and general surgery.
Contacts: +254 723 086 338, +254 20 528 9177
Email: info@todamedicalsupplies.co.ke

4. Barfield Hospital Supplies Ltd
 It supplies medical equipment & surgical instruments. It also manufactures custom-designed and standard hospital furniture.
Contact: +254 020 248 5585/ 020 2699104
Email: info@barfieldltd.com

5. Nairobi X-ray supplies Ltd
 It is mainly involved in radiological, surgical, dialysis, hearing implants and endoscopy supplies of quality equipment from Japan.
Contact: +254 733 512 802, +254 703 700 766
Email: info@nxsltd.com

6. Medmax Ltd
 Medmax is a leading supplier of diagnostic products, hospital furniture, walking aids and laboratory equipment.
Location: Industrial Area, Nairobi
Contact: +254 733 589 509/ +254 705 071 699

7. Angelica Medical Supplies Ltd
Location: 1st floor, Regent Court, Hurlingham, Nairobi
Contact: +254 020 265 4721
Email: info@angelicamedical.com

8. Bioscope Laboratory Supplies Ltd
 The company supplies laboratory chemicals, consumables and equipment across the East African region.
Location: Nabro Towers, Ngara, Nairobi
Contact: 0720 537 146
Email: sales@bioscope.co.ke

9. Promech Enterprise Limited
Location: Green House Building, Along Ngong Road
Contacts: +254 723 540 960
Email: info@promechkenya.com

10. Omsai Distributors Limited
 The company supplies medical devices and equipment to private, public and non-governmental institutions in Kenya. It supplies equipment such as hospital beds, pediatric beds, medical carts, delivery beds and blood transfusion sets.
Contacts: +254 784 705 606, +254 705 705 606

Picture1

Kenya

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral
Picture1

Kenya

 Kenya is a country in Eastern Africa bordering the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria. Neighboring countries include Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Unique Kenyan physiography, from highlands to glaciers, supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value. The government system is a republic; the chief of state and head of government is the president. Kenya has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Kenya is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).

Population Population Growth Rate Age Dependency Ratio Urban Population Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at Birth
18,754,440 (2020)
1.292 annual % (2020)
58.849 % of working-age population (2020)
57.671 % of total (2020)
9.3 per 1,000 live births (2019)
73.18 years (2019)

Business Partners

Importers

Select your indicators

Value exported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance 2022 (USD thousand)

Share in Kenya’s exports (%)

World

7,390,793

-13,736,958

100

Uganda

822,915

487,398

11.1

United States of America

679,333

-133,469

9.2

Netherlands

591,234

318,770

8

Pakistan

544,272

319,873

7.4

Tanzania, United Republic of

484,305

32,022

6.6

United Kingdom

378,289

83,126

5.1

United Arab Emirates

373,679

-3,084,590

5.1

Rwanda

341,640

311,455

4.6

China

233,838

-3,610,857

3.2

Egypt

227,178

-145,979

3.1

 

Exporters

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance 2022 (USD thousand)

Share in Kenya’s imports (%)

World

21,127,751

-13,736,958

100

China

3,844,695

-3,610,857

18.2

United Arab Emirates

3,458,269

-3,084,590

16.4

India

2,123,477

-2,055,097

10.1

Saudi Arabia

1,035,879

-930,707

4.9

Malaysia

1,023,761

-999,426

4.8

Japan

829,578

-778,762

3.9

United States of America

812,802

-133,469

3.8

South Africa

518,627

-460,469

2.5

Tanzania, United Republic of

452,283

32,022

2.1

Korea, Republic of

426,648

-374,600

2

Culture

Kenyans culture is very communal in nature. Kenyans share everything from clothes, food, and even space! At home, personal items are often shared with every member of the family. In most families, they don’t understand the concept of private time and it’s uncommon to stay alone in one’s room for long periods of time except to sleep.

Kenyan culture is a way of life that blends tradition with modernity. Traditionally, most Kenyans will not engage in direct communication, but instead, use non-explicit techniques in passing over their intended message. However, the style of communication depends directly on the level of intimacy between each person.

Kenyans people are quite sociable and friendly. When they meet, they hug, shake hands, and stand close to each other. It’s not easy to get privacy since people are always talking and chatting. It is considered rude to stand away from others. Disagreement with others is seen as a sign of disrespect, especially with elders. It is considered ill-mannered to shout or speak with a high tone.

Taboos

– Losing ones temper and shouting is considered highly rude. Most disputes are resolved by using humor, or they might simmer under the surface for long periods without confrontation.  It’s best to remain polite and smiling, even if frustrated.

– Kenyans tend to dress in a conservative manner with an emphasis on appearing smart and well dressed as a matter of pride. To look sloppy or wear revealing or damaged clothes would mean that a foreigner would instantly lose a degree of respect amongst Kenyans.

Economic Index

 GDP

101,013,726.53

 

GDP, PPP

246,068,248.30

 

GDP per capita, PPP

4,577.9

GDP per capita

1,878.6

 

Gini index

40.8

 

 Inflation, consumer prices

5.4

Social Media Stats in Kenya

Facebook = 36.73%

YouTube = 21.96%

Twitter = 20.03%

Instagram = 10.08%

Pinterest = 9.09%

LinkedIn = 0.96%

Browser Market Share in Kenya

Chrome = 60.96%

Opera = 31.13%

Safari = 2.55%

Firefox = 1.87%

Edge = 1.63%

Samsung Internet = 1.18%

Natural Resources

Mineral resources in Kenya include gold, iron ore, talc, soda ash, some rare earth minerals, and gemstones. Gold is mostly restricted to the westernmost part of the country, while areas around Mombasa host limestone, niobium, iron ore, gemstone, and self.

The mining and quarrying sector in Kenya accounts for less than 1 percent of gross domestic product, with the majority being contributed by the soda ash operation at Lake Magadi in south-central Kenya. In 2010, Kenya’s share of the world’s soda ash production amounted to 4%. Cement, Fluorspar, and Petroleum refining were the other mining and mineral processing activities undertaken by the mining sector.

Standards

A Kenyan standard is a document established by consensus and approved by KEBS that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines, or characteristics for products and services, as well as related processes or production methods, aimed at the achievement of the opimum degree of order in a given context.

Kenya applies a comparative ‘standard’ to all products of services. Kenya standards are classified into six categories: 
1. Glossaries or Definitions of terminology
2. Dimensional Standards
3. Performance Standards
4. Standards Methods of Test
5. Codes of Practice
6. Measurement Standards
These standards are developed by technical committees whose membership includes representatives of various interest groups such as producers, consumers, technologist, research organizations, and testing organizations, in both the privet and public sectors.

Some of the departments include the Food and Agriculture Department which is responsible for the development of standards covering food technologies, food safety, fertilizers, agricultural produce, livestock products, poultry products, etc.

The Chemical Department is responsible for the development of standards covering soaps, detergents, paints, pesticides, stationery, and related equipment and all products based on chemical formulations. Others include the services standards department, and the engineering department.

Service Standards Department is responsible for the development of standards in the service industry such as tourism, hotels, transport, education, social activities, etc. These standards are aimed at addressing the evolving needs in the service sector and represent a growth area.

Engineering Department is responsible for the development of standards in covering civil engineering, electro-technology, information technology, renewable energy, textile engineering and mechanical engineering. Standards Information and Resource Section is responsible for the maintenance and availability of standards information, library, WTO NEP, and sales of standards.

Trade Agreements

Multilateral Trade System (MTS):
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the primary international organization dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. Kenya has been a member of the WTO since its inception in January 1995. The WTO’s 10th Ministerial Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2015. The Conference culminated in the adoption of the “Nairobi Package”, a series of six ministerial decisions on agriculture, cotton, and issues related to least-developed countries (LDCs). The latest EAC Trade Policy Review by WTO was scheduled for March 2019.

African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA):
Kenya was among nearly 50 African nations signed a deal to create the ACFTA in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 21, 2-18, marking a historic milestone in the economic integration of the continent. The formation of a free trade area spanning Africa creates a single market of 1.2bn people with a combined gross domestic product of more than $2 trillion (UNCTAD).

U.S – EAC Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA):
The United States signed Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA) with the East African Community (EAC) in 2008, and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/africa/regional-economic-communities-rec/common-market-eastern-and-southern-africa-comesa in 2021. Kenya is a member of both regional organizations. The Office of the U.S.

Regional Markets:
Kenya is a member of the East African Community (EAC) with a population of approximately 177 million across the countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania.

ACP/Cotonou Partnership Agreement:
Exports from Kenya entering the European Union are entitled to duty reductions and freedom from all quota restrictions. Trade preferences include duty-free entry of all industrial products as well as a wide range of agricultural products including beef, fish, dairy products, cereals, fresh and processed fruits, and vegetables.

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA):
Kenya qualifies for duty free access until 2025 to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Some of Kenya’s major products that qualify for export under AGOA include textiles, apparels, and handicrafts.

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP):
Under the Generalized System of Preferences, a wide range of Kenya’s manufactured products are entitled to preferential duty treatment in the Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, other European countries, and the United States. In addition, no quantitative restrictions are applicable to Kenyan exports on any of the 3,000-plus items currently eligible for GSP treatment. Additional information is available at United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Bilateral Trade Agreement:
Kenya has signed bilateral trade agreements with several countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Egypt, Hungary, India, Iraq, Lesotho, Liberia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Korea, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

U.S – Kenya Free Trade Agreement:
In July 2020, the United States and Kenya entered into FTA negotiations to seek a high standard agreement that will also complement regional integration efforts within the EAC and ACFTA. Negotiations were paused at the end of 2020, pending a review of the status of negotiations by the incoming USTR leadership. In addition to the launch of trade negotiations, the United States and Kenya agreed on a Strategic Cooperation Framework to provide technical assistance and trade capacity building in Kenya with the aim of maximizing Kenya’s utilization of the AGOA trade benefits for the remaining years of the preference program, which is scheduled to expire in 2025.

U.S. – Kenya Commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
In parallel to FTA negotiations, the United States and Kenya intend to intensify efforts to bolster commercial cooperation under the bilateral commercial Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2018, and to work together to identify and prioritize trade and investment opportunities in strategic sectors including energy, health, digital economy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Import Tariffs

Kenya applies tariffs based on the international harmonized system (HS) of product classification and applies duties and tariffs of the EAC Common External Tariff. Customs duties can be levied at rates between 0% and 100%, with an average of 25%. However, sensitive items attract duty higher than 25% (the sensitive items are listed in the schedule 2 of the EAC Common external tariff). Excise duties de[end on whether the imported item it excisable or not. The rates are prescribed under the Excise Duty Act 2015. Imports into Kenya are subject to a standard VAT rate of 16%, levied on the sum of the CIF value, duty, and other applicable taxes. An import declaration fee of 3.5% and railway development levy of 2%.

Pistachio

Pistachio

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral

Origin of Pistachio

 Pistachio, (Pistacia vera), small tree of the cashew family (Anacardiaceous) and its edible seeds, grown in dry lands in warm or temperate climates. The pistachio tree is believed to be indigenous to Iran. It is widely cultivated from Afghanistan to the Mediterranean region and in California.

 The pistachio tree has wide-spreading branches but rarely exceeds 9 meters (30 feet) in height. Each leaf has one to five pairs of thick, wide, leathery, pinnate leaflets. The plants are usually dioecious (bearing either male or female flowers) and are pollinated largely by wind. Borne in clusters, the white drupe fruits are 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 inch) long and tend to split at one side without discharging the seed. The “nut” is a greenish kernel enclosed in a thin, tightly adhering, reddish skin. The single, solid kernels have a pleasing mild resinous flavor. To ensure pollination and good yield, male trees are interplanted with female in a ratio of 1:5 or 1:6.

 Pistachio history in Iran:
 Emergence of pistachio in Iran back to HAKHAMANESHIAN period about 4000 to 5000 years ago. It seems that wild forest of pistachio has been cultivated about 3000 to 4000 years ago. Then, it has exported to the other parts of the world particularly Mediterranean nearby countries. The first origin of pistachio is located about Kerman province. After the Islam, Qom has been renowned as the most important region for pistachio cultivation. Its history respect to first half of the Hijri century and the first writings about Damghan pistachio, Semnan and Qazvin back to seventh century. On the other hand, Kerman Pistachio back to twelfth century.

Maintaining conditions:

 Since the shell of pistachio does split when it has ripened to expose the nutmeat, this nut has a minimized shelf life (Filippone, 2017). When a farmer wants to store pistachio after harvesting in for a few days, it is recommended that the farmers should put the pistachio in resealable bags and keep them in the pantry (Filippone, 2017). Besides, when the farmer wants to store pistachio nuts for a longer period, it is recommended that the producer should store this nut in a container that is airtight and keep it in a freezer or refrigerator (Filippone, 2017). Moreover, unshelled nuts can be stored for more than three months in the freezer or refrigerator. To minimize condensation when thawing, the nuts are supposed to be placed in a plastic bag (Filippone, 2017). Nevertheless, pistachios that are shelled can be kept in the refrigerator for about three months, but should not be placed in a freezer. In addition, for one to restore pistachios that lack their crunch, they are supposed to be toasted in a 200F oven for about 8 to 18 minutes (Filippone, 2017).

Shelled
– Storing period must be maximum 12 months after the harvest
– Low humidity levels must be maintained at 50-60%
– Storage areas must be free from odors 
– Storages must have license for operating

 In-shell
– Storing period must be maximum 24 months after the harvest
– Low humidity levels must be maintained at 50-60% 
– Storage areas must be free from odors 
– Storages must have license for operating

 The most important postharvest operations of pistachio nuts including handling, transportation, green hull removal, dehydration, bulk storage and packaging of pistachios were studied. Results showed that air temperature had pronounced effect on drying time and air velocity didn’t any significant effect on drying time. The entire drying process occurred in falling rate period and constant rate period was not observed. The optimum conditions for bulk storage of pistachio nuts were between 0 and 10 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 65-70 % or kept at higher than 10 °C (e.g. 15 °C) and less than 32 % RH, and monolayer moisture content had the longest shelf life due to the minimum changes in its lipid quality factors. The higher temperatures and longer storage times will accelerate deteriorative reactions in pistachio nuts especially on fat component and nylon under vacuum is the best packages for pistachio nuts among other packaging materials were studied in this research.

Pantry: 1-2 weeks                                                                                            Refrigerator: 3 months                                                                                               Freezer: 12 months

Competitive advantage:

Pros:
– Better taste and flavor in Iran pistachios
– Packaging diversity
– Ability to burst at high temperatures (without color and taste altering)
– The possibility of greater kernel percentage

Cons:
– Reduction of production in 2019 about one-quarter of the previous year due to climate condition and underutilizing cultivation year.
– Water scarcity, drought, water salinity and seasonal freezing in addition to production resources limitations and the lack of financial deficiencies.
– Weakness in warehouses systems, the lack of coherence in pistachio problem management
– Executing conventional method in production and trade.
– The scarcity of agreement purchasing
– Underestimating of production quality and health situation particularly in terms if afolatoxine
– The lack of strategic storage mechanism and product regulating among productive and nonproductive years.
– Low efficiency of production (production in area unit). Iran is lower than world efficiency by about 40%

Suggestions:
– Standardizing of pistachios to compete with highest quality (USA) in world.
– Stabilizing of world currency
– Planning for reducing the transportation cost and increasing the shipping lifespan
– Decreasing the finished price

Threats:
– Reducing the world market price of pistachio

kazaqestan

Kazakhstan

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral

Kazakhstan

 Kazakhstan is a landlocked, transcontinental country located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The terrain extends west to east from the Caspian Sea to the Altay Mountains and north to south from the plains of Western Siberia to the deserts of Central Asia. The government system is a republic with the authoritarian presidential rule and little power outside the executive branch. The chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Kazakhstan has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

– Capital City: Astana (+6 GMT)
– Currency: Tenge (KZT)
– Languages: Kazakh (official, Qazaq) 83.1% (understand spoken language) and trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English) 22.3% (2017 est.); Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the “language of interethnic communication”) 94.4% (understand spoken language) (2009 est.)
– Religions: Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 est.)

Population Population Growth Rate Age Dependency Ratio Urban Population Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at Birth
18,754,440 (2020)
1.292 annual % (2020)
58.849 % of working-age population (2020)
57.671 % of total (2020)
9.3 per 1,000 live births (2019)
73.18 years (2019)

MAJOR CITIES

Almaty

Astana

Shymkent

Karaganda

Kazakh culture: Customs and traditions

 The Kazakh people are rich in traditions. From birth through old age and death, every step of their lives has historically been marked with celebration. Even their funeral ceremonies have their own special symbolism.

 Unfortunately, many rich and interesting traditions and customs of the Kazakh people have been forgotten throughout the past century. Real sovereignty is just now being reestablished in Kazakhstan due to the process of democratization. These abandoned traditions are just now being rediscovered by the Kazakh people. These traditions include being respectful to old people; being patriotic to the motherland; being honest; and learning to love mankind.

TABOOS

– Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.
– Hooking two fingers together is an obscene gesture as well.

COMMUNICATION STYLE

– An indirect style of communication tends to be more effective than being overly direct, although Soviet influenced bluntness still remains strong—your weight and level of attractiveness tend to be fair game for comments.
– Good topics of conversation when establishing a personal relationship include art, food, drink, and sports. Avoid politics, religion, and ethnicity if possible.
– Kazakh suggestions and imperatives don’t translate well, and you may find someone giving you dog commands (Sit! Speak! Eat!) or mistake the difference between a command and a suggestion. It’s usually best to ask follow-up questions when you think someone might want you to do something.

DRESS

– For Men: Conservative suits or tie and jacket in the cities and when dealing with government officials.
– For Women: Stylish, yet somewhat conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate.

Shoes are very important. Kazakh men tend to wear pointy, dandy-ish shoes. Women wear heels, often stilettos. Whatever shoes you wear, it is best to make sure they’re clean and polished.

Weather and Climate

Kazakhstan experiences an extreme continental climate, with long, hot summers and cold winters. Winter in the north of the country is long and cold – in some years the temperatures reached – 52°C (Nur-Sultan), but there are also thaws up to 5°C. The shortest season in the north is spring, which lasts 1.5 months, while summer lasts 3 months and winter extends from October to April. Snow primarily falls in November but can continue through April. Due to its great distance from the ocean, Kazakhstan has a highly continental climate and large intraday and annual fluctuations in temperature. This means that temperatures in the winter months (December to February) are extremely cold, with national averages between -9°C and -12°C, whereas summers are hot, with average temperatures of 22°C to 23°C in June, July and August. Precipitation is low throughout the year, with average monthly levels of between 14 millimeters (mm) and 30 mm, although flooding can occur during spring due to increased rain and the thawing of winter snow.

Natural resources

Kazakhstan is very rich in mineral resources. Oil, coal, various ore and non-metallic deposits are the priceless treasure of the republic. Some of these mineral resources make Kazakhstan famous in the world. They include chrome iron ore deposits, polymetallic deposits, copper, tungsten, molybdenum and uranium ores.

Economic Index

GDP (current US$) – Kazakhstan

190,814,274.23

GDP, PPP (current international $) – Kazakhstan

543,473,691.25

GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) – Kazakhstan

28,600.0

GDP per capita (current US$) – Kazakhstan

10,041.5

Gini index – Kazakhstan

27.8

Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) – Kazakhstan

6.7

Internet Penetration rate in Kazakhstan

Internet use in Kazakhstan in 2022
There were 16.41 million internet users in Kazakhstan in January 2022.
Kazakhstan’s internet penetration rate stood at 85.9 percent of the total population at the start of 2022.

Social Media Stats in Kazakhastan

YouTube = 26.29%

Facebook = 19.38%

Pinterest = 17.29%

Instagram = 12.53%

Twitter = 11.57%

VKontakte = 8.64%

Browser Market Share in Kazakhastan

Chrome = 65.9%

Safari = 15.55%

Yandex Browser = 6.05%

Opera = 3.93%

Firefox = 2.63%

Samsung Internet = 2.59%

Standards for Trade

 Certification and/or conformity assessment procedures are part of the national system of technical regulation.  To bring Kazakhstan standards more in line with international standards, in 2007 Kazakhstan adopted several laws and amendments to the existing Law on Technical Regulations including such laws as Safety of Chemical Products, Safety of Food Products, Safety of Toys, and Safety of Equipment and Machinery.  The national file of standards now includes 73,000 rules and norms, including 35,347 representing international standards (International Organization for Standardization, European Standards, International Electrotechnical Commission, etc.) and 2,246 U.S. standards (American National Standards Institute).  These standards are applied across all economic sectors.

 Under current regulations, safety standards acquire the status of normative documents, mandatory for consideration, while quality standards will gradually become voluntary.  The functions of governmental bodies will be limited to dealing with safety control issues.  Technical regulations will acquire the status of laws and will be intended to ensure the safety of life and health of consumers.  Other standards relating to quality of goods will be given a voluntary status, and manufacturers will no longer be forced to follow outdated requirements dictating a shape, or color of goods as it was under previous legislation.

Import Tariffs

 As part of its WTO accession in 2015, Kazakhstan agreed to lower 3,512 tariff rates gradually, to an average of 6.1 percent in 2020.  Tariffs on agricultural products will see the largest reduction, from 16.7 percent to an average of 7.6%. In January 2016, Kazakhstan began applying lower tariff rates to certain food products, automobiles, airplanes, railway wagons, lumber, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, freezers, and jewelry.

Trade Agreements

 Kazakhstan became a WTO member on November 30, 2015.  In addition, Kazakhstan officially entered a Customs Union with Russia and Belarus on July 1, 2010, eventually becoming a founding member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which was created on May 29, 2014, between Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia.  (The Kyrgyz Republic and Armenia joined in 2015.)  Since that time, Kazakhstan’s trade policy has been heavily influenced by EAEU regulations.  For example, while Kazakhstan asserts that EAEU agreements comply with WTO standards, since joining the Customs Union, Kazakhstan has doubled its average import tariff and introduced annual tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on poultry and beef.

indonesia

Indonesia

by with No Comment ArticlesGeneral

Indonesia

 Indonesia is a country located in Southeastern Asia between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It has a strategic location astride major sea lanes and is an archipelago of 17,508 islands, some of which border Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The government system is a republic; the chief of state and the head of government is the president. Indonesia has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Indonesia is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Population Population Growth Rate Age Dependency Ratio Urban Population Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at Birth
273,523,621 (2020)
1.065 annual % (2020)
47.489 % of working-age population (2020)
56.641 % of total (2020)
20.2 per 1,000 live births (2019)
71.716 years (2019)

Business partners

Exporters

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2021 (USD thousand)

Trade balance 2021 (USD thousand)

Share in Indonesia’s imports (%)

World

195,712,409

32,518,755

100

China

56,225,920

-2,512,359

28.7

Singapore

15,413,410

-4,237,410

7.9

Japan

14,256,962

3,479,811

7.3

United States of America

11,305,846

14,360,087

5.8

Malaysia

9,450,874

2,458,500

4.8

Korea, Republic of

9,427,194

-1,018,266

4.8

Australia

9,415,081

-6,391,545

4.8

Thailand

9,118,600

-2,181,105

4.7

India

7,658,539

5,605,074

3.9

Taipei, Chinese

4,349,963

2,506,910

2.2

Importers

Select your indicators

Value exported in 2021 (USD thousand)

Trade balance 2021 (USD thousand)

Share in Indonesia’s exports (%)

World

228,231,164

32,518,755

100

China

53,713,561

-2,512,359

23.5

United States of America

25,665,933

14,360,087

11.2

Japan

17,736,773

3,479,811

7.8

India

13,263,613

5,605,074

5.8

Malaysia

11,909,374

2,458,500

5.2

Singapore

11,176,000

-4,237,410

4.9

Philippines

8,555,012

7,281,747

3.7

Korea, Republic of

8,408,928

-1,018,266

3.7

Thailand

6,937,495

-2,181,105

3

Taipei, Chinese

6,856,873

2,506,910

3

Most important cities

Indonesia’s most important cities are:
–  Jakarta
–  Surabaya
–  Bandung
–  Medan

Indonesian culture: Customs and traditions

 Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. It is also the biggest archipelago, consisting of over 17,500 islands. The dispersion of the islands means that distinct microcultures have developed to be regionally specific. Furthermore, over 300 ethnic groups are spread across Indonesia. The largest is the Javanese population (41%) that mostly occupies the island of Java. Others include, but are not limited to, the Sundanese, Malay, Batak, Madurese and Betawi people. Most ethnicities have languages, histories and cultures that pertain specifically to them. Hence, Indonesians tend to identify themselves locally foremost (according to their ethnicity, family or birthplace) before defining themselves nationally.

 An Indonesian’s regional, linguistic and ethnic background must be considered in order to fully understand that individual’s cultural influences. For instance, one can observe dominant Indonesian culture to largely reflect characteristics of Javanese and Islamic society. Yet, the Balinese population, occupying the Island of Bali, are mostly Hindu. They follow different customs and traditions, have an alternate religious calendar and are divergent from other ethnic populations in many other ways.

 Indonesia is also more collectivistic than Western societies. Individuals often perceive themselves to be members of ‘groups’ rather than autonomous actors. These groups reflect or come to define who its members are and often expect a high degree of loyalty. For example, the group’s interests usually supersede those of the individual, even if they conflict. Furthermore, group members expect to receive preferential treatment over anyone who is not part of the group. In return for this loyalty, an individual gains a sense of belonging, protection and unity. This is important as unity is considered essential to maintaining harmony among all the diverse populaces.

 Indonesian society is hierarchical, organized predominantly by age. One’s status, education and perceived power will demand degrees of deference, but age usually becomes the overriding factor determining the level of respect. Elders are presumed to have the most wisdom and are therefore considered the most deserving of authority. Indonesians may use honorific speech and bow slightly when talking to someone older than them. Women have full civil rights; the Islamic code that professes a separation between genders is not followed as stringently as it is in other Islamic countries. However, there is a distinct attitude in society that sees females as secondary to males.

Weather and Climate

 Indonesia’s climate is largely hot and humid, with rainfall occurring mostly in low-lying areas and mountainous regions experiencing cooler temperatures. The cities of Jakarta, Ujung Padang, Medan, Padang, and Balikpapan have an average minimum temperature of 22.8°C and a high of 30.2°C. Humidity in Jakarta varies between 61% to 95% and average rainfall amounts to 218.4 millimeters (mm) per month. The “wet” season occurs between November and April, leaving May through October typically dry. Indonesia experiences drier conditions during El Nino events and wetter conditions during La Nina events. Indonesia lies across the range of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and southeast trade winds penetrate the doldrums. Strong ascending motion, overcast skies, strong squalls, heavy rainfall and severe local thunderstorms with variable intensities are characteristics of this zone. 

Natural resources

Indonesia is a bountiful country full of natural resources, such as coal, copper, gold, oil and natural gas.

Indonesia is endowed with rich natural resources. The nation also has fertile soils that support a variety of cash crops. Indonesia is a major supplier of commodities such as coffee, rubber, timber, palm oil, and cocoa to the world market and to a lesser extent tea, sugar, copra, spices, and tobacco.

Economic Index

–  GDP (current US$) – Indonesia
1,058,423.84      

–  GDP, PPP (current international $) – Indonesia
3,302,178.32

–  GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) – Indonesia
12,072.7

–  GDP per capita (current US$) – Indonesia
3,869.6

–  Gini index – Indonesia
37.3

–  Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) – Indonesia
1.6

Internet use in Indonesia in 2022

– There were 204.7 million internet users in Indonesia in January 2022.
– Indonesia’s internet penetration rate stood at 73.7 percent of the total population at the start of 2022

Social Media Stats In Indonesia

Facebook = 68.65%

YouTube = 24.66%

Instagram = 3.85%

Twitter = 2.01%

Pinterest = 0.62%

VKontakte = 0.12%

Standards for Trade

 The Indonesian government and related industrial players have been active in formulating standards for products and services. The National Standardization Agency of Indonesia (Badan Standarisasi Nasional “BSN”), is an Indonesian government agency responsible for standardization, conformity assessment, and metrology activities in Indonesia. BSN was established in 1997 under Presidential Decree 13/1997 and enhanced by Presidential Decree No 166/2000. 

 According to government regulation, the only national standards permitted are Indonesian National Standards (SNIs) and BSN is responsible for their formulation. SNIs are formulated in accordance with the nationally agreed mechanism of standard formulation and aligned with similar regional or international standards whenever possible. Various Indonesian government ministries cite these standards in their technical regulations.

Import Tariffs

 Most Indonesian tariffs on non-agricultural goods are bound at 35.5 percent, although tariff rates exceed 35.5 percent or remain unbound on automobiles, iron, steel, and some chemical products. In the agricultural sector, tariffs on more than 1,300 products have bindings at or above 35.5 percent. Under Minister of Finance (MOF) Regulation 112/2018, Indonesia levies an import duty of 7.5 percent on certain goods (known as “consignment goods”) imported by businesses regardless of the tariff rate in Indonesia’s WTO and free trade agreement schedules, if the Free On Board customs value of the good is more than USD 75 but less than USD 1,500. Indonesia maintains tariff rates as a high as 10 percent on certain information and communication technologies, including certain types of telecommunications equipment as well as servers.

Trade Agreements

 Indonesia is a party to the region-wide Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area. ASEAN, and by extension Indonesia, also has preferential trade agreements with Australia, China, Hong Kong India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand and concluded text-based negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in November 2019. Indonesia has signed bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with Australia, Chile, Mozambique, as well as with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland under the European Free Trade Association, but as of the end of 2019, none of these FTAs are yet in force except with Chile. Indonesia recently concluded negotiations with Korea on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Indonesia is negotiating other FTAs with the European Union (EU), India, Tunisia, and Turkey as well as reviewing its trade agreements with Japan and Pakistan.

pexels-castorly-stock-3761560

Faucets In Russia

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Faucets in Russia

The top exporting countries of faucets to Russia

1. China – $34.4 million
2. Germany – $8.6 million
3. Italy – $5.5 million
4. Turkey – $3.3 million
5. South Korea – $2.2 million

6. United Arab Emirates – $1.4 million
7. Belarus – $1.3 million
8. Spain – $1.2 million
9. Czechia – $0.9 million
10 .Poland – $0.8 million

Product registration rules for faucets in Russia

 In Russia, the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Equipment Intended for Use in Buildings and Structures (TR EAEU 044/2017) applies to faucets intended for use in buildings and structures. The regulation sets out the safety requirements that faucets must comply with in order to be placed on the Russian market.
 To register faucets in Russia, an applicant must submit a set of documents to a conformity assessment body accredited by the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart). The required documents typically include:

1. Technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test reports
2. A copy of the manufacturer’s quality management system certificate
3. A copy of the applicant’s company registration documents
4. A copy of the contract with the accredited conformity assessment body
5. Other documents as required by the conformity assessment body.

 The conformity assessment body will review the documents and conduct testing if necessary to ensure that the faucets meet the requirements of TR EAEU 044/2017. If the faucets meet the requirements, the conformity assessment body will issue a certificate of conformity, which is required for the faucets to be placed on the Russian market.

The most popular faucets in Russia

1. Grohe (German)
2. Hansgrohe (German)

3. Kohler (American)
4. Lemark (Russian)

The best faucet manufacturers in Russia

1. IDDIS
2. ROSSINKA
3. PROFSAN

4. TORGZNAKSERVICE
5. ROSTOV
6. DECOROOM

Exhibitions of faucets in Russia

1. STROY-EXPERT
2. STROY-VOLGA

3. INTERSTORYEXPO
4. BUILD URAL

5. ALTAYSTORY-GORNO-ALTAYSK

Packaging of faucets in Russia

 In Russia, the packaging of faucets must comply with the requirements of the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Packaging (TR EAEU 005/2011), which sets out the safety and environmental requirements for packaging used in the country. The regulation applies to all types of packaging, including those used for faucets.
 The packaging of faucets should be designed to protect the product from damage during transportation and storage, as well as to ensure that the product is easily identified and handled. The packaging materials used should be safe for human health and the environment, and should be able to withstand the conditions of transportation and storage.

The volume of the faucet market in Russia

 The Russian faucet market was valued at approximately USD 350 million in 2018. The report also estimated that the market would grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5% between 2019 and 2024.
 Factors driving the growth of the faucet market in Russia include increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of the importance of water conservation and sustainability. Additionally, the increasing availability of innovative and technologically advanced faucets is also expected to drive demand in the market.

Approximate price of faucets in the Russian market

 The price of faucets in the Russian market can vary widely depending on the brand, materials, design, and features of the faucet. However, as a rough estimate, the price range for faucets in the Russian market is typically between 1,000 and 50,000 Russian rubles, which is equivalent to approximately 14 to 680 US dollars.

IMG_20230710_133849_884

Construction Tools in Ghana

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Construction Tools in Ghana

 In Ghana, construction equipment must meet certain certification and standard Requirements to ensure safety and quality in construction activities. They include:

1. Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) Product Certification
2. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standards
3. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Regulations
4. EN (European Norm) Standards

Standards

ISO standards for construction equipment in Ghana include ISO 12100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.

Import Value

According to the World Bank, Ghana’s construction machinery and equipment Imports were valued at $841 million in 2019.

Competitors in Ghana

1. Asanduff Group of Companies
2. Elgyboat Enterprise
3. Harena Home Depot
4. Elgyboat Roofing and Construction
5. Chesapeake Development Company Ghana
6. Intric Agency Company Limited
7. Marafari Enterprise

8. Nabco Land and Property Developers Ltd
9. Pilkar Plastics Industry Limited
10. Super Warehouse
11. Vappy Limited
12. Haiflow SAL Offshore
13. Obra Pa Tiles

pexels-energepiccom-3650159

Fisheries

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Fisheries

Introduction

 Fish and shrimp are known as two of the most important food sources in the world and are widely consumed as staple food in many countries. Also, these products are considered as one of the main export goods in many countries such as Iran. For the export and import of fish and shrimp, it is very important to pay attention to international regulations and standards in the field of health and food safety, and this can Protect against any health and economic risks. Considering that fish and shrimp are sensitive products and require special conditions for storage. Depending on the type of product and export destination, different method transportation is used. Also, depending on the destination country and the type of product, different regulations and requirements may be applied in the field of export and import. In general, for the export and import of fish and shrimp, one should get familiar with the regulations and standards related to export and import in the country in question and use expert advice. In this report, the important and significant cases in the export and import of various types of fish and shrimp have been discussed.

HS Code

– Fish: Codes 0301 to 0305 are used for the export and import of fish.
– Shrimp: code 0306 is used for the export and import of shrimp

Some of the important technical characteristics of fish and shrimps are:

1. Weight: The body weight of fish and shrimp varies from a few grams to a few kilograms and depends on their type and size.
2. Size: The body length of fish and shrimp can vary from a few millimeters to several meters.
3. Temperature: Fish and shrimps need a certain temperature for growth and production, which ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius and varies depending on their type.
4. Water PH: Fish and shrimps need a specific PH for growth and production, which varies depending on their type. For example, cold-water fish need a PH lower than 7, while warm-water fish need a PH higher than 7
5. Nutritional needs: The nutritional needs of fish and shrimps include protein, fat, carbohydrates and various vitamins and they vary depending on their type.
6. The number of eggs: if they are farmed fish or shrimp, the number of eggs they produce is also an important technical characteristic that should be considered.
7. Yield: The yield of a fish or shrimp means their production (or productivity), which should be taken into account to optimize the breeding system.
8. Oxygen requirement: To breed fish and shrimps, they need adequate oxygen supply in the water and the oxygen level in their breeding water should be taken into account.
9. Water requirement: Each type of fish and shrimp needs a certain volume of water for breeding and reproduction.
10. The need for special light conditions: Light conditions are very important for the growth and development of fish and shrimps. Some species of fish and shrimp need direct sunlight and others can grow with artificial light. Also, some fish and shrimps need less light to achieve better growth and full skeleton conditions.

Health Benefits

Fisheries are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They’re loaded with important nutrients, such as protein and vitamin D. Fisheries are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body and brain.

Here are 10 health benefits of eating fisheries that are supported by research.

1. High in important nutrients
2. May lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes
3. Contain nutrients that are crucial during development
4. May boost brain health
5.May help prevent and treat depression
6. A good dietary sources of vitamin D

7. May reduce your risk of autoimmune diseases
8. May help prevent asthma in children
9. May protect your vision in old age
10. Fish may improve sleep quality
11. Delicious and easy to prepare

Standards

For the export of fish and shrimp, the following international standards and regulations are observed:

1. HACCP standard: This standard is a food health and safety management system designed to prevent food-related hazards. The HACCP standard focuses on assessing possible risks in the process of food production, processing, distribution and consumption.
2. ISO international standards: In many countries, companies that operate in the field of food production, processing and export must comply with the international standards of the ISO organization. These standards include ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 22000 (Food Safety and Health Management).
3. Alimentarius Codex international standards: these standards were prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) and include standards related to food quality and safety.
4. Laws and regulations related to health and food safety in the destination country: Every country can have its own regulations in the field of food health and safety. Therefore, companies that export food to foreign countries must comply with these regulations

Breeding and fishing time:

 The breeding and fish and shrimp fishing in Iran is different depending on the type of fish and shrimp, region and weather conditions.
 For example, in some regions of Iran, such as the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, the catch of various fishes is higher in autumn and winter and decreases in spring and summer. Also, in some provinces such as Golestan and Mazandaran, shrimp fishing is more in the summer season. Also, the breeding time of the fish depends on the type of fish and the environmental conditions It varies and may continue throughout the year.
 The breeding and catching time of Iran’s export fish may be different depending on the type of fish and breeding conditions. In general, the fish that are caught in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman (such as salmon, mullet, white fish, tobacco, sea bream, sea-wing fish, salmon, etc.) are in the highest price and demand in the winter season . However, farmed fish such as cellar fish (such as phaeton, salmon, carp, sturgeon, etc.), according to the breeding conditions, can be bred throughout the year and if appropriate weather conditions are met and proper ventilation equipment is used, can be continuously produced for export . Also, some farmed shrimp can also be farmed and exported throughout the year. Exported shrimps in Iran are generally grown in industrial farming conditions and in shrimp farms. The cultivation time of export shrimps in Iran depends on various conditions such as the type of shrimp, environmental conditions, temperature and feeding amount.
 In general, shrimps for export in Iran are mainly bred in spring and autumn and in other seasons they are bred in a limited way. Fishing for export shrimp in Iran is done in different seasons of the year and according to weather conditions and type of shrimp.

PROCESSD PRODUCTS:

1. Smoked products
2. Dried products
3. Salted products
4. Marinated products
5. Fish sauce
6. Surimi products

7. Fish oil
8. Fish glue
9. Fish emulsion
10. Fish emulsion
11. Fish powder

SEAFOOD PACKAGING TYPES

 Packaging serves two main purposes: to attract customers and preserve products. Food processing plants have a wide range of packaging options to choose from, but it mostly depends on the type of product they manufacture. Common packaging types include:
Stand-up pouches: Attention-grabbing stand-pouches offer convenience, reduce packaging costs and keep products fresh
Cans: Canning has been a long-used method to preserve processed fish. Tuna, salmon and sardines are commonly canned after processing. A tin can is sealed and heated to keep air out and preserve the food inside.
Vacuum skin packaging: Vacuum skin packaging (VSP) forms a tight, clear film over a product to enhance its visual appeal and extend its lifespan.
Multi-layer films: Multi-layer films create a tight seal to keep fish fresh. This type of packaging shows the product clearly, and the multiple layers help protect packages from punctures and abrasions.
Individually quick frozen (IQF) packaging: IQF packaging is often used for frozen fish fillets and other frozen seafood products. IQF is usually available in bag format and may come in a variety of styles, such as the pillow shape or flat bottom.
 Packaging is often an automated process involving sophisticated machines that fill and seal product containers and bags. This process reduces the need for manual labor and speeds up the packaging stage.

Fish and shrimp export and import poles in the world:

 The largest exporters of fish and shrimp in 2020 were China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and India. According to the statistics of the World Trade Organization,
China is known as the largest exporter of fish and shrimp in the world with exports of more than 20 billion dollars in 2020.
 The largest importers of fish and shrimp in 2020 were Japan, the United States, China, South Korea and Hong Kong. With the import of more than 14 billion dollars in 2020, Japan is known as the largest importer of fish and shrimp in the world. Iran’s export destinations:
In general, the main destination countries for Iran’s fish and shrimp exports are:
Japan, Iraq, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Russia, South Korea, Kuwait

Top Exporters of caviar/ fish/ shrimp in 2020

HS code 160431 (Fish preparations; caviar).

Exporters

 

Value exported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance in 2022 (USD thousand)

Quantity exported in 2022

World

20,099,004

1,291,201

0

China

4,640,370

4,525,633

961,705

Thailand

2,996,942

2,705,902

704,251

Ecuador

1,500,030

1,499,406

337,981

Spain

1,016,536

-166,299

159,811

Morocco

783,834

745,765

178,832

Viet Nam

773,713

680,450

0

Germany

722,907

-518,612

154,809

Poland

645,814

460,352

131,075

Netherlands

623,788

159,821

107,078

Indonesia

401,026

367,584

93,414

HS code 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled or frozen).

Exporters

 

Value exported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance in 2022 (USD thousand)

Quantity exported in 2022

World

30,668,535

-1,769,768

0

China

4,077,783

3,333,334

726,006

Chile

3,911,883

3,872,342

321,059

Viet Nam

3,252,089

3,146,476

0

Norway

3,095,310

3,026,717

369,558

Netherlands

1,527,254

707,333

174,583

United States of America

1,290,630

-8,291,784

322,513

Iceland

1,155,347

1,154,863

152,101

Poland

996,410

85,223

106,174

Denmark

891,095

437,510

91,967

Indonesia

868,586

839,451

125,799

Top importers of caviar/ fish/ shrimp in 2020

HS code 160431 (Fish preparations; caviar).

Importers

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance in 2022 (USD thousand)

Quantity imported in 2022

World

18,807,803

1,291,201

0

United States of America

2,378,593

-2,070,408

426,378

Japan

1,710,824

-1,470,832

242,093

Italy

1,389,775

-1,031,370

224,018

Germany

1,241,519

-518,612

231,861

Spain

1,182,835

-166,299

221,894

France

1,131,568

-854,390

202,430

United Kingdom

932,675

-842,340

196,408

Australia

514,394

-511,494

92,951

Netherlands

463,967

159,821

82,560

Canada

457,813

-280,535

77,157

HS code 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled or frozen).

Importers

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2022 (USD thousand)

Trade balance in 2022 (USD thousand)

Quantity imported in 2022

World

32,438,303

-1,769,768

0

United States of America

9,582,414

-8,291,784

917,482

Japan

3,721,374

-3,424,496

531,652

Germany

2,012,447

-1,290,767

332,404

France

1,822,515

-1,597,429

275,359

United Kingdom

1,173,224

-961,997

146,998

Spain

1,148,267

-452,237

192,925

Sweden

1,085,540

-348,778

127,403

Italy

1,065,613

-1,023,247

128,057

Canada

960,994

-601,944

111,827

Poland

911,187

85,223

208,110

india

India

by with No Comment GeneralOthers

India

 India is located in Southern Asia bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Neighboring countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal, and Pakistan. India has a diverse geology: upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges River, deserts in west, and the Himalayas in the north. The government is a federal republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. India has a market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. India is a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Population Population Growth Rate Age Dependency Ratio Urban Population Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at Birth
1,380,004,385 (2020)
0.989 annual % (2020)
48.665 % of working-age population (2020)
34.926 % of total (2020)
28.3 per 1,000 live births (2019)
69.656 years (2019)

Business partners

Importers

Select your indicators

Value exported in 2021 (USD thousand)

Share in India’s exports (%)

World

394,813,673

100

United States of America

71,510,497

18.1

United Arab Emirates

25,446,639

6.4

China

23,036,597

5.8

Bangladesh

14,092,748

3.6

Hong Kong, China

11,290,061

2.9

Singapore

10,650,087

2.7

United Kingdom

10,374,395

2.6

Netherlands

10,284,461

2.6

Germany

9,513,606

2.4

Nepal

9,189,859

2.3

Exporters

Select your indicators

Value imported in 2021 (USD thousand)

Share in India’s imports (%)

World

570,402,004

100

China

87,535,136

15.3

United Arab Emirates

43,070,345

7.6

United States of America

41,386,816

7.3

Switzerland

29,492,003

5.2

Saudi Arabia

27,689,346

4.9

Iraq

26,566,073

4.7

Hong Kong, China

18,201,551

3.2

Singapore

18,201,531

3.2

Korea, Republic of

17,076,153

3

Indonesia

16,724,828

2.9

Most important cities

India’s most important cities are:
–  Delhi
–  Mubai
–  Bangalore
–  Kolkata

Indian culture: Customs and traditions

 Indian culture is among the world’s oldest as the people of India can track their civilization back as far as 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar(opens in new tab) (AWGP) organization.

 Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and “every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior. Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”

 However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda) well in advance of many western civilizations.

Weather and Climate

 India is the seventh largest country in the world by size and it boasts an incredibly diverse collection of landscapes which are bordered along the eastern, western and southern coast by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean respectively.  In the north, the country shares its borders with Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan, and just off the southern coast – alongside a number of islands – lies Sri Lanka.  The country is largely divided up into a number of main regions geographically.  These include the great mountains in the north; the Thar desert to the northwest; the Indo-Gangetic plain characterised by three important rivers (the Ganges, the Indus and the Brahmaputra); the peninsular plateau divided by central highlands and scattered with shallow valleys and rounded hills; and the coastal plains home to a great number of smaller rivers.  There are also two main groupings of islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

 In terms of climate, India can be divided into a number of regions.  For the most part, the country has a tropical climate which throughout most of the interior is a mixture of wet and dry tropical weather.  In northern parts there is a humid tropical climate and along the western coast lies wet tropical areas.  Stretching in a strip up the centre of the country is a semi-arid climate, which also stretches across the north-west.  Although stereotypical images may bring to mind the heat of India, the country can also experience extreme cold.  This takes place largely in the northern mountainous regions which include the cold, arid and windswept Himalayas.

Natural resources

1. Coal
2. Iron ore
3. Manganese
4. Chromite

5. Natural gas
6. Diamonds
7. Limestone
8. Thorium

Economic Index

– GDP (current US$) – India
2,660,245.25

– GDP, PPP (current international $) – India
8,975,476.83

– GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) – India
6,503.9

– GDP per capita (current US$) – India
1,927.7

– Gini index – India
35.7   

– Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) – India
6.6

INTERNET PENETRATION RATE

       India’s internet penetration rate stood at 48.7 % of the total population at the start of 2023.
– There were 692.0 million internet users in India in January 2023.
– There were 467.0 million social media users in India in January 2023.

Social Media Stats in india

Facebook = 65%

Instagram = 26.21%

YouTube = 5.44%

Twitter = 1.92%

Pinterest = 0.97%

LinkedIn = 0.31%

Standards for Trade

 India historically made efforts to align its national standards with international norms, and most Indian standards are harmonized with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards.  Nevertheless, there is current pressure within India to devise Indian Standards, which will create barriers to trade and pose challenges to U.S. exporters in certain sectors.  India frequently fails to notify the WTO of new standards, and to allow time for discussion with its trading partners prior to implementation. 

 Because of pressure from consumer rights groups, NGOs, and environmental activists, there is a growing emphasis on product standards in India in various industry sectors.  The proactive role of Department of Consumer Affairs and Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) under the Mission ‘One Nation One Standard’ have also contributed to an increased awareness and emphasis on product standards in India.

Standards

 In India, voluntary standards are exclusively developed by BIS.  BIS was originally established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 1986 and is responsible for the development and formulation of standards.  In March 2016, the government of India passed a revised bill to replace the 30-year-old BIS Act.  The bill established BIS as a national body and empowered the central government to authorize any other agency having necessary accreditation for conformity assessment against Indian standards.  
 BIS is comprised of representatives of industry, consumer organizations, scientific and research bodies, professional organizations, technical institutions, Indian government ministries, and members of parliament.  BIS is also involved with product certification, quality system certifications and testing, and consumer affairs. 
 BIS is the only organization in India authorized to operate quality certification plans under an Act of Parliament.  It serves as the official member and sets policy for Indian participation in the ISO and International Electro Technical Commission (IEC). 
 In addition, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, as a statutor body for implementing and regulating food standards.

Tariff

 Goods & Services Tax (GST) is levied on all imported goods, with the tax rate being 10% of the value of the goods. In addition, there is the Integrated GST or IGST which is applied to the value of the imported goods plus all applicable customs duties.

Trade agreements

– CEPA
– ECTA
– CECPA
– APTA (Asia Pacific Trade Agreement)
– India ASEAN TIG (India ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement)
– GSTP (Global System of Trade Preferences)
– SAFTA  (South Asia Free Trade Agreement)
– ISLFTA (Indo Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement)
– ISCECA (India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement)
– JICEPA  (Japan India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements)
– IKCEPA (India Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements)