The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) on the technical cooperation project “ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Support Project” with the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta on July 28. The project is scheduled to be signed in May 2019. This project is the first technical cooperation project to be implemented under the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement signed in May 2019, and the ASEAN Secretariat is the R/D signatory.
In the Southeast Asian region, consumer needs for food are diversifying and increasing as the middle class expands with economic development, and the agriculture and food industry has high growth potential and Japanese companies are showing strong interest. In addition, agriculture remains a major source of employment opportunities and income in many ASEAN member countries, and is one of the most important sectors in terms of food and nutrition security. However, the potential for value-added creation has not been fully realized at each stage of the food value chain, from production to manufacturing and processing, distribution, and consumption, as producer activities do not reflect the needs of consumers. In response to the challenges in the food value chain, the ASEAN Economic Community is striving for the harmonious development of the member countries as a whole by leading and supporting each country in taking various measures.
© Source JICA