Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. recently met with Lao PDR’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Linkham Douangsavanh, at the World Food Forum in Rome to revitalize agricultural collaboration between the two Southeast Asian nations.
During their bilateral meeting at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s headquarters, the agriculture ministers discussed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development between the neighboring countries and across Southeast Asia.
“The proposed agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening agricultural cooperation with our ASEAN partner, Lao PDR,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel. “It will provide a framework for collaboration on a wide range of agricultural issues,” he added.
The MOU outlines several key initiatives, including:
– Technology and Knowledge Sharing: Establishing a joint genetic bank for rice development to promote innovation in crop cultivation;
– ASEAN Food Security Promotion: Collaborating to bolster the overall food security of the ASEAN region;
– Value Chain Improvement: Enhancing the value chains for various agricultural products, including rice, corn, coffee, fruit trees, tea, livestock, and fisheries;
– Sustainable Water Management: Implementing best practices for efficient water usage in agriculture;
– Research and Development: Joint efforts to tackle agricultural challenges through shared research initiatives.
– Climate Change Mitigation:Developing strategies to address the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity;
– Pest Management: Prioritizing effective pest control practices to safeguard crops;
– Agri-food Trade Promotion: Facilitating trade in agricultural products like rice, sugarcane, and coffee, as well as addressing imported commodities in the Philippines.
The proposed agreement signals a commitment to fostering resilient agricultural sectors in both countries, ultimately aiming for a more secure and sustainable food future in the region. ###
