September 5, 2023

ASEAN urged to embrace role as global agriculture, aquaculture hub

Indonesia's Minister of Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Teten Masduki, emphasised the need for ASEAN to assert itself as the global centre for agriculture and aquaculture production, Antara reported.

Speaking at the ASEAN Weekend Market event in Senayan, south Jakarta, Minister Teten Masduki highlighted the importance of ASEAN nations claiming their position as global leaders in agriculture and aquaculture. He particularly focused on Indonesia's pivotal role in these sectors, given its status as the largest country in ASEAN.

Masduki said that ASEAN possesses not only a wealth of creative products, including fashion, culinary delights, and crafts, but also boasts a robust agricultural and aquaculture industry.

In 2019, ASEAN countries contributed 21.9% to the world's total fisheries production, with projections indicating a 5% increase by 2025. Nations like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand were responsible for 16.5% of the world's shrimp exports.

Masduki stressed that in its pursuit of becoming a global agricultural and aquacultural hub, ASEAN faces the challenge of fostering a business ecosystem conducive to the growth and advancement of micro and small enterprises through co-operatives and supply chain partnerships.

He underlined the strategic role of ASEAN as a platform for strengthening co-operatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the region's ecosystem.

-      Antara