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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA, Oct. 16 (APD) – Agriculture Secretary and Philippine delegation head William Dollente Dar said greater collaboration among ASEAN member-states should be pursued. In his opening statement during the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting yesterday (October 15, 2019) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Dar said win-win partnerships should be seriously considered.
“ASEAN must continue to forge win-win multi-stakeholder partnerships to realize our ASEAN Vision 2025: A politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible and a truly people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN,” Dar said.
He said ASEAN has provided the framework for Southeast Asian prosperity and how headwinds including rapid population growth rates and social and economic forces in the global front reinforced the partnership between and among each member-state.
“ASEAN must continue to be open and outward-looking, strong in its advocacy, innovative in its quest for equitable progress, and united against any threat or issue it must face,” Secretary Dar said.
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Dr. William Dollente Dar addressing his fellow delegates to the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam yesterday. (Department of Agriculture Photo)
The Philippine AMAF leader likewise called on member-states to work equally hard to nurture cooperation with dialogue partners and international organizations.
“In this era of globalization, ASEAN must assert its centrality,” he added. During the same meeting, Secretary Dar presented his “New Thinking for Agriculture,” as a development strategy expected to spur higher growth rates and employment in the Philippines.
He underscored the importance of food security and nutrition which remain a priority for cooperation among ASEAN member-states. He added the strategy would bring inclusive growth and higher harvest and income for the farming sector.
He updated his fellow delegates on measures being implemented to address the African Swine Fever (ASF) and Fall Armyworm (FAW) including their economic consequences in the Philippines.
“We, as one economic community, must deal with this emergency through improved cooperation in the field of logistics, information and technical assistance,” Dar added.
He said it is imperative to continue cooperation and networking among member-states to share scientific knowledge and experience in addressing the emerging issues through cost-effective means.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
