Regional food conference convenes in HN

FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, Hà Nội, March 12, 2012 – Photo: Petrotimes

Participants will discuss relevant issues and provide heads of delegations with consultancy on strategies and measures for endorsement at the plenary session, scheduled on March 15-16.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Đức Phát said this year’s event takes the theme “Food Security” and “Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas”, which are practical and urgent issues, given that 65% of people living in the Asia-Pacific region are suffering from hunger.

According to the Minister, the goal to cut a half of hungry and poor people by 2015, as set in Millennial Development Goals, is a great challenge to the world and the Asia-Pacific in particular.

Regional representative for Asia and the Pacific Dr. Hiroyuki Konuma proposed regional countries encourage agricultural expansion, apply scientific and technological advances, provide training, reduce the impact of climate change, and harmonize the development of bio-fuels with the goal of ensuring food security.

The biennial FAO conference for the Asia-Pacific is an event of great significance in the region. This year’s event will last until March 16./.