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Coaching solves Tajik company’s production challenges, improving export capacity

6 July 2022
ITC News

Founded in 2011, Tajik company Sitabr Agro processes and packages more than 1,000 tons of sweet corn, apples and grapes a year, and can vacuum package 6,000 corn cobs per hour.

Under ITC’s Export Management Coaching Initiative (EMCI), implemented as part of the EU-funded Ready4Trade Central Asia project, export management coach Farzona Tilavova was brought in to further boost production and help the company expand its reach into markets such as the European Union.

"We express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for this useful and non-standard approach to the coaching process, which pushes businesses to develop,” said Sitabr Agro director, Jakhongir Babaev.

Sold under the trademark Bomaza, the company currently sells to the domestic market and exports to Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.

After analysing production procedures, expert Tilavova noted the need for systematic training for operators working on the vacuum packaging machine, taking into account the seasonality of the recruited personnel.

She also suggested introducing standard operating procedures to guarantee proper temperature control prior to product packaging, and that the company work with a new customs broker and receive further guidance from the national customs authority.

“Tajik companies have a unique opportunity to look at their business and export of their products with a fresh expert eye,” said Tilavova. “Coaching is a very useful tool for business development,” she added.