ASEAN member nations urged to prioritise intra-bloc rice exports
Malaysia has urged rice exporting countries in ASEAN to prioritise intra-bloc exports amid concerns over rising prices and supply shortages, local media has reported.
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia has urged rice exporting countriesin ASEAN to prioritise intra-bloc exports amid concerns over rising prices andsupply shortages, local media has reported.
In a statement on October 4 on the thresholds of the 45th ASEAN Ministers onAgriculture and Forestry Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin, called on ASEAN’s main rice-supplyingnations to prioritise exports to countriesin the region.
Hin also emphasised the importance of sustainable agricultureand forestry for the livelihoods of millions of people in ASEAN countries.
Countries are facing threats from climate change,overfishing, unsustainable agriculture and food waste, he stressed.
Hin called on ASEAN countries toprotect this sector, ensure people's livelihoods and income, and manage limitedresources responsibly.
Accordingthe official, Malaysia aims to strengthen links with external partners, sayingthat an intra-group unity, and minimising the negative impacts of externalshocks are factors that help ensure the region's stability and prosperity./.
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Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
