Database
on Basic Documents of Japan-ASEAN Relations
Department of
Advanced Social and International Studies,
THE SECOND MEETING
OF THE ASEAN
AGRICULTURE AND
FORESTRY MINISTERS
AND THE MINISTERS
OF THE
(AMAF Plus Three)
11 October 2002,
JOINT PRESS
STATEMENT
1. The ASEAN
Agriculture and Forestry Ministers and the Ministers of the People’s Republic of
DEVELOPMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IN
2. The Ministers
recognized that small farm production predominates the
agriculture sectors of the ASEAN + 3 countries and that agriculture is one of
the principal foundations of society and the economy. They exchanged views on
the characteristics of their respective agriculture sectors, such as
sustainability of agriculture, and on the various challenges and concerns they
face in view of increasing modernization and globalization. They also
recognized the necessity to ensure the coexistence of the various types of
agriculture in this region.
3. The Ministers
reaffirmed the importance of sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries
with a view to protect the environment and sustainably
manage the natural resources, in line with the Plan of Implementation of the
World Summit on Sustainable Development, and the Vision Report on East Asian
cooperation by the East Asian Vision Group.
4. The Ministers,
while recognizing some positive effects of trade liberalization, also urged
that due consideration be given to food security, rural development and
environmental protection.
5. The Ministers
agreed to continuously exert themselves to narrow the gap between member
countries and to reduce hunger in the region based on the discussion at the
World Food Summit Five Years Later held in
6. The Ministers
agreed that ASEAN + 3 countries attending the forthcoming 3rd World Water Forum
to be held in March 2003 should highlight the particular situations and needs
of respective countries. In the light of the Asian small farm agriculture, the
Ministers also agreed that meaningful participation of farmers is essential to
the success, effectiveness and sustainability of programs that address the
conservation and sustainable use of water resources for agriculture.
COOPERATION
ACTIVITIES
7. The Ministers were
pleased with the progress on the “The Study on East
Asian Rice Reserve System”. The Study has
completed a comprehensive analysis of relevant countries in the region that
will serve as the basis for designing the Rice Reserve System. The continuing
activities of this project include the establishment of a Pilot Emergency Rice
Reserve Scheme which aims to generate empirical research for key information
for the improvement of the system.
8. The Ministers
also agreed to launch the Pilot Project of the East Asian Emergency Rice
Reserve, on a voluntary basis, to improve the existing coordinating and
monitoring system of the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) and to aim
at the expeditious establishment of the East Asian Rice Reserve System with a view
to strengthening food security and eliminating poverty in the region. The
detail plan for the pilot project will be initiated as a reference for member
countries to make their decisions related to the establishment of the Rice
Reserve System. In addition, a Steering Committee will be established to guide
in the implementation of the Pilot Project. The Ministers also requested that
9. The Ministers
also took note of the progress on the development of the “ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS)” and agreed that the activities would start
early next year, based on the proposal of the First Technical Meeting held in
August 2002. The Ministers also agreed to hold a "Seminar for
Director-Generals of Agricultural Statistics and Information in ASEAN Countries” towards the further development of the AFSIS.
10. The Ministers
appreciated the progress of AMAF’s
ASEAN IPM Project and approved in principle the proposal to expand the Project
to include the Peoples’ Republic of
China,
11. The Ministers
have noted the positive gesture of
12. The Ministers
noted that the Sixth ASEAN and People’s Republic of
13. Lastly, the
Ministers agreed to have their third meeting in
LIST OF MINISTERS
The Meeting was
attended by:
H.E. Dato Idris Belaman,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources,
H.E. Chan Sarun, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
H.E. Ahlan B. Razif, Ambassador of
H.E. Dr. Siene Saphangthong, Minister of
Agriculture & Forestry,
H.E. Dato’ Seri Haji Mohd Shariff
bin Haji Omar, Deputy Minister of
H.E. Datuk Anifah bin Haji Aman, Deputy Minister of
Primary Industries,
H.E. U Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister of
Agriculture and Irrigation,
H.E. Hon. Leonardo
Q. Montemayor, Secretary of Agriculture, the
H.E. Ms. Seetoh Hoy Cheng,
H.E. Sora-at Klinpratoom, Minister of
Agriculture and Cooperatives,
H.E. Le Huy Ngo, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
H.E. Han Chang Fu,
Vice, Minister of Agriculture, People’s Republic of
H.E. Tadamori Oshima, Minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
H.E. Dong – Tae Kim, Minister of Agriculture and
Forestry,