Southeast Asia’s agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is preparing for the implementation of ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food Agriculture and Forestry Sector (RAI), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners announced today.
Delegates marked a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and responsible investment in the agriculture sector across the ASEAN region in a recent meeting in Vientiane.
FAO and the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), with technical support from the National Assembly of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, were among the major participents which currently holds the AIPA Presidency (2023-2024).
Southeast Asia’s agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy, contributing 12 percent to the region’s GDP and employing more than 100 million people. With increasing urbanization and rising incomes, the demand for food, fisheries, and forestry products is on the rise. To ensure food security, safety, and nutrition for future generations, amid rapid industrialization and population growth, sustainable investment in these sectors is paramount.
Collaboration for responsible investment in food security
In 2018, ASEAN Member States adopted the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (ASEAN RAI), highlighting their commitment to responsible and sustainable investments. Recognizing the significance of parliamentary support, the 44th AIPA General Assembly in 2023 adopted a Resolution encouraging AIPA Member Parliaments to implement the ASEAN RAI. Given this context, the workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of parliamentarians and stakeholders and facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN RAI through the development of a Parliamentary Implementation Framework.
The Resolution on Encouraging the Application of the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Sectors adopted at the 44th AIPA General Assembly last year, not only reaffirms AIPA’s dedication to the sustainability of our region’s food, agriculture, and forestry sectors but also underscores our collective resolve to foster economic growth, enhance regional integration, and advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. As we convene for this joint event, it is crucial to emphasize parliamentarians’ pivotal role in complementing the ASEAN RAI through targeted actions. Through these events, we aim to empower parliamentarians, foster expertise exchange, and enhance oversight,” said H.E. Ar. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of AIPA.
