A MORE comprehensive use of technology and the digital economy in the agriculture sector is one of the priorities that Asean countries need to address to enable its member states to handle future uncertainties, according to Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries.

The ministry said priority should also be given to improving the resilience of food systems and ensuring sustainable food resources, in a statement issued in conjunction with minister Ronald Kiandee’s participation at the 43rd meeting of the Asean ministers on agriculture and forestry, and the organisation’s 21st meeting with China, Japan and South Korea) by video link today.

The ministry said among the important issues raised at the meeting were the Covid-19 economic recovery efforts and resilience of member countries under the Asean comprehensive recovery framework (ACRF), including national-level efforts related to agriculture and forestry.

The meeting also covered the implementation progress of the policy framework related to Asean co-operation, as well as Asean collaborations and key projects in the sector for 2016-2025.

The ministry said another item on the agenda was the updating of the list of Asean essential goods governed by the framework, based on proposals to incorporate staple food items such as rice, corn and sugar.

“The Malaysian delegation and its Asean counterparts have also supported and endorsed the report on the programmes and activities presented during the meeting.

“In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the involvement of and closer co-operation between Asean, China, Japan and South Korea in efforts to accelerate the process of economic recovery and development for regional prosperity,” the ministry said, adding that it is committed to the Asean policy framework.

In line with this commitment, Malaysia has launched its own national agrifood policy, the ministry said. – Bernama, October 27, 2021.