October 16, 2024

ASEAN agrees to boost cooperation on sustainable agriculture, food security, and digital transformation

Philippines' President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr announced that member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security, and digital transformation, Philippine News Agency reported.

The announcement followed his participation in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos.

In his arrival statement, President Marcos emphasised the importance of joint efforts in addressing both individual and collective challenges faced by the region. "We discussed not just the challenges that we face individually but also our shared commitment to finding enduring solutions that will safeguard our collective future," he said in a pre-recorded message.

One of the main topics of discussion at the summits was sustainable agriculture. "The leaders of ASEAN agreed to work more closely together in promoting sustainable agriculture to achieve long-term food security," Marcos added.

Additionally, the President highlighted the need to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by improving access to financing and enhancing their integration into the global supply chain. "We are collaborating with our partners to support our MSMEs by addressing financing gaps and enhancing their capacities," he said.

The President also underscored the importance of digital transformation and sustainable tourism for regional economic advancement, which he believes aligns with the Philippines' national goals. "This will complement the Philippines' initiatives in positioning itself as a prime destination for sustainable tourism," he added.

During the summits, President Marcos engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from Vietnam, Canada, and New Zealand. Talks with Vietnam centred on agricultural cooperation, with agreements signed on rice trade, smart agriculture, research, and sustainability.

ASEAN is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

-      Philippine News Agency