Expert Group Meeting on the ASEAN Economic Community and Food Security
Date: 3–4 June 2013
Venue: Manila, Philippines
Organised by: RSIS Centre for NTS Studies
Meeting is by invitation only
This meeting explored which elements of the AEC may impact one or more of the components of the food ecosystem, and in doing so, affect the food security of the ASEAN region generally, and Singapore more specifically (as a case study country which imports over 90 per cent of its food). In general, agriculture trade affects the food security ecosystem by fostering economic growth and hence farm income, by adding to domestic food supplies to meet consumption needs, and by reducing food supply variability.
The meeting provided a forum for experts to share their assessments of how the AEC may offer opportunities and pose challenges for the food ecosystem at two thinking horizons – 2020 and 2030. The effects of the AEC on intra-regional trade focused on rice, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs and fish.
Specific objectives of the meeting included:
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Determine which aspects of the AEC are most likely to impact the food security ecosystem in ASEAN, while recognising the current intra-ASEAN agriculture trade. For example, the impact of non-tariff barriers on farmer’s income and the consumer’s process, as well as the possible impact of improved trade facilitation for better agriculture trade flow.
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Identify strategies that would facilitate a mapping of the drivers that affect food security, and a detailed assessment of the impact of the AEC on the components of the food security ecosystem.
Meeting Background, Format and Objectives; Introductions
Framing the issues: Linking Elements of AEC to the Food Security Ecosystem
Prof. Paul P.S. Teng
Senior Fellow and Advisor (Food Security)
RSIS Centre for NTS Studies; and
Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning,
National Institute of Education (NIE)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Presentation
And
Ms Sanchita Basu Das
Lead Researcher, Economic Affairs
ASEAN Studies Centre, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) Singapore
Presentation
Session 1: AEC, ASEAN Agriculture Trade and Food Security
Panellists:
Dr Chia Siow Yue
Senior Research Fellow
Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Singapore
Presentation
Dr Mia Mikic
Chief, Trade Policy and Analysis Section
ARTNeT Coordinator, Trade and Investment Division
United Nations ESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand
Presentation
Session 2: Experiences from Other Regional Integration Processes and Policy Discussion (Food, Industrial Crops and Fisheries)
Panellists:
Dr Viroj NaRanong
Research Director, Health Economics and Agriculture
Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Bangkok, Thailand.
Presentation
Dr Rolando Dy
Executive Director, Center for Food and AgriBusiness
University of Asia and the Pacific (UAP), Manila, Philippines
Presentation
Session 3: Impact of AEC on Key ASEAN Agricultural Products and the Issue of Food Security
Panellist:
Dr Sushil Pandey
Independent Researcher (previously, Senior Agricultural Economist, International Rice Research Institute)
Manila, Philippines
Presentation
Posted on: 3/6/2013 8:30:00 AM |
Topic: Food Security
