Supporting industry growth in developing countries

The Iranian Government is focusing on the improvement of packaging technologies with the aim of promoting the export of food products. Together with the Iran Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), JETRO has been implementing industrial development support programs in packaging focusing on food products since FY2006. In the first phase (FY2006-2011), JETRO dispatched experts in packaging to the area on a number of occasions to spread information regarding the latest Japanese food packaging technologies to companies related to food exports. In the second phase (FY2012–2014), the programs focus on the training of packaging technicians in food/packaging industries and trainers, and ensuring core human resources. In FY2012, in conjunction with the packaging trade fair Tokyo Pack, JETRO carried out a food packaging training study in Japan. The study tour visited food and packaging factories.

(This program is positioned as a part of the efforts for establishing an environment to promote future business between Iran and Japan.)

In FY2013, JETRO dispatched a food packaging expert in December and implemented the Training Course in Packaging Technology for Export to Japan (intensive lectures). Food and packaging companies, packaging personnel from universities, staff related to packaging in Iranian government departments and organizations, etc., (over 50 people) participated in the training. Lectures were carried out with textbooks containing knowledge that should be known by food packaging design personnel prepared with the help of the expert.

In order to use and develop the knowledge obtained from the study to improve packaging technologies of the Iranian food industry, JETRO gave advice during this activity period, with emphasis at every turn on the necessity for cooperation on the training of human resources from the government, universities and industries.

Concerning the necessity for cooperation on the training of human resources from the government, universities and companies, JETRO received a positive response from each representative from the ITPO, universities and companies regarding a proposal to set up a packaging association. As a solution to current issues, in conjunction with promoting cooperation and collaboration between the core human resources of each of the above members, the suggestion will be to have a strong awareness of safety, hygiene and security of food on a company level and for government/public organizations to have a direction and a strategy for industry development (food/packaging) on the national level.