The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak to the food, agriculture and forestry sectors, as well as the potential distruption to the food supply chain in the region is a major concern. Looking at this, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, during the 44th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, AMAF emphasised the importance of ASEAN’s focus towards economic recovery and digital economy integration, especially on issues relating to food crises as well as increases in food and agricultural input prices which have led to the increase in the cost of logistics and production.
The conference which was held in Lao People’s Democratic Republic via video conference was chaired by His Excellency Dr. Phet Phomphiphak, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The ministers emphasised on the importance of the food, agriculture, and forestry sector to ensure that essential, safe and nutritious produce can continue to reach ASEAN markets, including the continuous functioning of business activities and services to the food and agricultural systems. Also held were the 22nd Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, AMAF plus 3; and the 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, AIMMAF.
Source: Radio Television Brunei